Alternative Education in Your Kids Yoga Class

Like many kids, I hated school.

I didn’t understand why I had to sit for hours listening to grown-ups drone on about things that had nothing to do with my life. All the while, a vibrant world full of adventure, discovery, and real-life learning was waiting just beyond the school gates.

What I saw being taught at school wasn’t knowledge—it was obedience.

And to be honest, I’m proud to say I learned very little there.

I spent more time exploring the nearby farmlands, playing music, reading, thinking deeply about life—real learning, on my own terms.

🎒 What Traditional Schools Often Miss

We learn many “facts” at school, but we’re rarely taught the things that matter most:

  • How to be happy

  • How to understand and manage our emotions

  • How to communicate positively

  • How to care for our bodies and minds

  • How to build self-esteem

  • How to concentrate and relax

  • How to be creative

  • How to think independently

  • How to actually learn

The sad truth is, most school systems today are still based on a 19th-century model designed to produce obedient soldiers and factory workers—not free-thinking, emotionally balanced, creative human beings.

Creativity and independence were (and still are) seen as inconvenient in a system that values order and conformity above all else.

✊ Yoga as a Rebellion for Real Education

As a kids yoga teacher, I feel it’s my duty to rebel against this outdated model.

Yes, it’s easier for teachers (and parents) when kids follow instructions without question. But is that really education? Or is it simply control?

Education, at its core, should empower young people with the tools to live a happy, healthy, fulfilling life—and help us all evolve as a society.

Alternative education systems get this. They understand that true education nurtures the child’s moral, emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual development. They embrace the whole child, not a one-size-fits-all model.

And so should we, as yoga teachers.

💛 Build Connection, Not Control

In a kids yoga class, you have two choices:

  1. Scare kids into obedience with shouting and punishment

  2. Build friendship, love, and trust—and watch them respond with the same

Sure, it takes time and patience to build that connection. But it’s far more effective than getting angry or fighting for control. And let’s be honest—anger isn’t yoga.

Spend time before and after class getting to know your students. Listen to their stories. Learn their likes and dislikes. Become someone they trust.

🧘 Children don’t follow what we say—they imitate what we do.

If you shout at them to “stop shouting,” you’re reinforcing the very behaviour you’re trying to change.

🌈 Teaching Yoga Differently to Teach Differently

In my kids yoga classes:

  • We sit in a circle—because we are equals

  • We co-create the class. I ask:

    • Where do you want to go on our yoga journey today?

    • How do you want to get there?

    • What shall we explore?

    • What pose do you want to teach us?

Giving kids choices doesn’t mean giving up control—it means inviting collaboration. And the more control you offer, the more they’ll give back.

Anything that separates your yoga class from a dull, rules-heavy school setting is going to work.

Just one rule: Make it FUN!

⚖️ Rules, Freedom & Finding the Balance

I hate rules.

But I’ve also learned—through parenting and teaching—that no rules at all doesn’t work either.

It’s a dance between freedom and structure, creativity and boundaries.

Let me share a story…

🦒 The Giraffe & The Coyote

I once taught in two neighboring preschools:

  1. The “Giraffe School”

     Run by a lovely German lady, the kids were taught:

    • Giraffes = good (silent, graceful)

    • Coyotes = bad (loud, wild, laughing)

       Kids were only allowed to be giraffes.

  2. Discipline was tight, classes ran smoothly, but the moment we tried something creative… the kids froze. So, my job there? Teach them it’s okay to be a little wild.

  3. The “Coyote School”

     Run by a freedom-loving director, kids were free to explore their voices and bodies.
     Discipline was a challenge, but creativity was off the charts.
     Many of my most memorable yoga games and poses were created with those kids.

Your sweet spot as a teacher will likely be somewhere between the giraffe and the coyote.

💛 Kindness: The Only Rule You Need

In my classes, I used to have just one rule: Respect.

But over time, I realised that while respect is important, the word itself can sometimes feel authoritative or hierarchical, especially for children who are constantly told to follow rules and obey.

So now, I’ve replaced it with something more human, more heart-led:

KINDNESS – to ourselves, to each other, and to the space around us.

Kindness includes listening, no put-downs, being gentle, being safe, and holding silence during relaxation. But more importantly, kindness is a feeling, not a command. It’s something we model—not enforce.

Children understand kindness deeply and naturally. It invites them to tune into their hearts and their sense of empathy—not just to follow instructions.

Sometimes I still offer a playful version of the Platinum Rule:

“Treat others not just how you want to be treated… but how they want to be treated.”

Because kindness isn’t about control. It’s about compassion, connection, and care.

🌟 See the Individual. Honour Their Journey.

Let me share two stories:

🧒 The Boy on My Back

In one preschool, there was a boy struggling with aggression and communication.

He and I formed a bond, and every week he’d hop on my back as I taught the class.

No one else minded—because his classmates knew he needed it. They celebrated the calm, kind boy he became when supported.

👧 Daniela the Creator

In another preschool, Daniela never followed my instructions.

She always invented her own poses—and I loved it.

The other kids respected her creativity. They understood that she was different, and that her role in the group was valuable.

We have so much to learn from children—if only we let them teach us.

🧠 Alternative Education Systems & Yoga

Let’s explore how we can apply alternative education philosophies in our kids yoga classes. These methods align beautifully with the principles of yoga: they value subjectivity, emotional intelligence, and creativity as tools for lifelong learning.

You’ll discover approaches from:

  • Montessori

  • Waldorf

  • Reggio Emilia

  • Charlotte Mason

…and ideas for how to weave them into your classes to support more holistic, heart-led education.

👉 (See the continuation in the next article: “Applying Alternative Education Systems in Your Kids Yoga Class”)

🧘 Online Kids Yoga is a thing now

And you know what we discovered after the pandemic? Something beautiful.
We realised how powerful it is when we’re free to learn in our own time, our own pace, and in our own sacred space. Whether that’s a cozy corner of your home, during a quiet moment at the beach, or even together with your children curled up beside you.

That’s why we poured our hearts into creating our online trainings—so you can begin right now, exactly where you are, and grow in a way that feels natural, joyful, and deeply connected.

And yes, this is an invitation… but it’s also something we truly believe in.
These trainings are designed to support you in any season of your life, no matter what your schedule, energy, or circumstances look like today.

To make your path even easier, we’re offering BIG, heartfelt discounts until November 2025:

If that little voice inside—the playful child within you—whispers, “Let’s begin…”
Don’t hesitate. We’re right here, ready to support you every step of the way on your Rainbow journey. 🌈

🧘 Real Yoga. Real Education. Real Freedom.

Let’s stop pretending that traditional schooling is the only way.

Let’s stop shouting, controlling, and telling kids exactly what to do.

Let’s start trusting, listening, and learning from them.

Yoga isn’t about rules and obedience.

It’s about love, connection, freedom, and joy.

As a kids yoga teacher, you have the incredible opportunity to offer children a glimpse into a new way of learning and being. One where they are respected, celebrated, and empowered to follow their heart.

You can be the teacher you always wished you had.

Let’s reimagine education—on the mat, and beyond.

 

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