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Incorporating sound into kids’ yoga classes is a wonderful way to enhance the experience, bringing an extra layer of fun, engagement, and mindfulness. Yesterday, I had the absolute pleasure of witnessing this first-hand when one of our teachers, who is also a sound therapist, introduced a variety of sound instruments to her session. It was truly magical to see the children’s response, and it left me inspired to add more instruments to our future classes, so much so that I’m making sure they’re on my Christmas list this year!
Benefits of Sound in Yoga for Children
1. Encourages Focus and Mindfulness Introducing instruments during relaxation or meditation helps children focus on the sound and vibration, naturally guiding them to become more present. The sensory experience of hearing and feeling the sounds shifts their attention, making it easier for them to remain calm and mindful.
2. Sparks Creativity and Curiosity Children are naturally curious and giving them access to musical instruments in a yoga setting allows them to explore new sounds. It’s a playful way to introduce them to the concept of sound therapy and how different tones can evoke emotions or help us relax. Yesterday, when our teacher handed the instruments over to the kids, their eyes lit up as they discovered the gentle tones they could create.
3. Deepens Relaxation Sound is a powerful tool for relaxation, and this applies even more to children, who may find it challenging to unwind. Soft, rhythmic sounds whether from bells, chimes, or a singing bowl can help children relax more deeply during savasana or any rest period. Interestingly, even when we anticipated the children might go wild with excitement, they surprised us by playing the instruments with such care, creating a beautiful, soothing harmony.
4. Builds Emotional Connection Sound has a way of bringing people together. By sharing the experience of playing instruments, children in the class bond over their collective sound creations. It fosters a sense of teamwork, collaboration, and joy, making yoga an even more enriching group experience.
A Fun Twist on Traditional Yoga
Incorporating instruments also makes yoga classes more fun! For kids, having the opportunity to play with sound while doing yoga adds a playful element. It turns the session into a multi-sensory adventure, making them more eager to participate and more likely to associate positive emotions with yoga and mindfulness.
What Instruments Can We Use?
There’s a wide variety of instruments that can be easily integrated into a kids’ yoga class:
• Tibetan Singing Bowls for deep, resonant tones during meditation
• Rain Sticks for a soothing, natural sound
• Chimes to signal transitions or moments of calm
• Hand Drums for light percussion that promotes rhythmic movement
• Tuning Forks for gentle, resonating vibrations
A Memorable Experience
Watching the children play these instruments with such gentleness and respect yesterday made me realize just how transformative sound can be in a yoga setting. What we thought might turn into an exuberant jam session became a beautiful symphony of delicate sounds, proving that even young children can engage with sound in a mindful and meaningful way.
With the holiday season around the corner, I’m already thinking of adding more instruments to our classes. The magic of sound has enriched our yoga practice, and I can’t wait to see how it continues to inspire and relax our young yogis.
