Yoga English: Moving, Learning, and Growing together
- Loren Assunção
- Apr 2
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 3
Hi, I'm teacher Loren, and I use yoga as a tool to help my students follow commands in a more conscious and calm way.
Recently, on April 1st, 2025, I had an incredible experience with a group of students aged 8 to 9 from elementary school. During the class, they were visibly excited and kept saying how much they were enjoying the practice.
At that moment, I realized that yoga goes far beyond physical movements — it is also a journey of introspection and self-awareness. Even at such a young age, they managed to notice their own breathing, and one of the students even mentioned how stressed he had been during that week of tests.
Additionally, it was impressive to see how they developed a greater awareness of their bodies, understanding the strength needed to perform the poses and exploring their balance in a natural and fun way.
Another point that caught my attention was the collective energy that formed during the practice. Unlike what usually happens during writing activities in the classroom, group yoga provided a genuine connection among them. This sense of unity enhanced individual benefits, showing that practicing together makes the experience even more enriching.
It was a transformative experience that reinforced my understanding of the power of yoga, especially when integrated into the school environment.
When it comes to teaching English to kids, finding engaging and holistic methods can make all the difference. That’s where Yoga English classes come into play. This innovative approach combines movement, mindfulness, and language learning, offering a unique way to help children acquire English skills while enhancing their well-being.
Why Combine Yoga and English?
Kids are naturally energetic and curious. Traditional classroom settings can sometimes feel restrictive, especially for young learners. Yoga English classes break that mold by integrating physical activity, relaxation, and language practice. Here’s why it works:
Physical Engagement Enhances Learning: Moving the body while learning new vocabulary helps embed words and phrases more deeply. When kids practice poses like 'Tree', 'Cat', or 'Dog', they not only learn English words but also associate them with real movements, strengthening memory retention.
Mindfulness Boosts Focus: Yoga promotes calmness and concentration. Practicing mindful breathing while repeating simple phrases helps kids develop better focus, essential for absorbing a new language.
Multi-Sensory Learning: Kids learn best when multiple senses are involved. Combining sounds, movement, and visual cues through yoga poses makes language acquisition more dynamic and memorable.
Stress Reduction and Confidence Building: Language learning can be intimidating, but yoga’s calming practices help reduce anxiety. Confident movement and gentle stretches foster a positive mindset, making kids more willing to experiment with English.
Practical Tips for Yoga English classes for teachers
Use Simple, Thematic Poses: Start with basic yoga poses named after animals or nature. Relate each pose to a vocabulary theme (like animals, body parts, or colors).
Incorporate Songs and Stories: Combine storytelling with yoga flows. For example, a story about an adventurous cat can include the 'Cat' pose while learning related vocabulary.
Create a Safe, Fun Environment: Keep the atmosphere playful and supportive, allowing kids to express themselves through both movement and language.
Yoga English classes offer a refreshing and holistic approach to language education. By engaging the body, mind, and imagination, kids build confidence, improve focus, and develop a positive relationship with English learning. Next time you’re looking to energize your classroom, roll out the mats and let the learning flow!
The students really love it!
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