At a sneak peek of her new yoga studio for kids, Yama Kids Yoga, I watched teacher Beth Houghton guide a group of wiggly preschoolers through a sun salutation exercise. Using music as a teaching aide, she held their attention with ease during an age-appropriate class that introduces basic concepts of movement and breathing.
Beth has been teaching yoga to kids for many years, as a supplemental program in many local preschools. And now, with business partner Iman Mills Gordon, the two women will open the doors to Yama Kids Yoga on Saturday, April 14.
A full schedule of session-based classes, segmented by age from toddlers to high school, begins on that date, with registration open now.
Located on Ashby Ave, in the same building as the Dailey Method exercise studio, this new addition to Elmwood is just one more family-friendly spot along this lovely stretch of College Avenue in Berkeley. (Read our Parent’s Guide To Elmwood.)
Weekly classes for Toddlers, Preschoolers, Grade Schoolers, Middle Schoolers, and High Schoolers take place in 8-week sessions, with drop-ins welcome, as long as there is space. Mom and Baby Yoga also has a weekly spot on the schedule.
What is toddler yoga?Â
For toddlers ages 2 and 3, the class is an introduction to yoga-style movement, poses, and the vocabulary of the practice, through games and stories. Parents will remain onsite and will do a small amount of participation.
How do classes change for older kids?Â
No experience is necessary for any of the classes. Middle school and high school students will also do beginning postures but will add inversions — headstands and handstands — and meditation to their practices.
Family yoga is for all ages (perfect if you have a toddler and a preschooler) and will be offered every other Saturday.
Yama Kids Yoga is located at 2631 Ashby Avenue, Suite A.
