Social-Emotional Learning
As a kids’ yoga teacher, I often say that yoga is about so much more than stretching our bodies—it’s about stretching our hearts and minds, too. In my classes with children, I work to incorporate social-emotional learning and movement. I am continually surprised by how children genuinely enjoy discussing and learning about emotions!
The early years of a human are a beautiful and sensitive time. Children are learning who they are, how they feel, and how to move through the world with others. Social-emotional learning equips them with the tools to accomplish all of this with confidence, kindness, and self-awareness.
What Is Social-Emotional Learning?
Social-emotional learning (SEL) is the practice of helping children understand and manage their emotions, build healthy relationships, and make thoughtful choices. For young children, this doesn’t happen through lectures—it happens through experience.
In yoga class, SEL looks like:
Naming emotions during poses (“How does your body feel right now?”)
Practicing calm breathing when feelings feel big
Taking turns, listening, and respecting personal space
Learning that all feelings are welcome—even the wiggly, grumpy, or shy ones
Ages 4–6: Learning to Feel and Express
For younger children, social-emotional learning starts with awareness. Many children at this age feel deeply but don’t yet have the words to explain what’s happening inside.
Through playful poses, stories, and breathing games, we practice:
Recognizing emotions in the body
Expressing feelings in safe, creative ways
Trying again when something feels hard
Learning that it’s okay to ask for help
When a child learns, “I feel frustrated—and I can breathe through it,” that’s a powerful life skill taking root.
Ages 7–9: Building Empathy and Confidence
As children grow, their social world expands. Friendships become more complex, emotions more layered, and self-talk more noticeable.
In yoga, we gently guide older children to:
Notice how their actions affect others
Practice empathy and compassion
Build confidence without comparison
Use mindfulness to manage stress and pressure
Yoga becomes a place where they can slow down, check in, and remember that they are enough—just as they are.
Why Yoga Is a Natural Home for SEL
Yoga invites children to pause and listen—to their breath, their bodies, and their feelings. It teaches them that calm is something they can create from within, and that kindness begins with how they treat themselves.
When children practice social-emotional learning in a joyful, supportive environment, those lessons follow them—into the classroom, onto the playground, and back home with their families.
A Gentle Invitation
If you have a child between the ages of 4 and 9, I invite you to ask them a simple question today:
“Would you like to try a yoga class where we learn about feelings?”
You may be surprised by how eagerly their hearts say yes. 🌱
