I’ll never forget the first day in my job as a day camp leader as a teenager.
I’d worked with children for years, but that was my first full-time summer job working with children. One boy with very challenging behaviors took over the group.
At home that night, after the tears and despair had dissipated, my mom asked what this child seemed particularly interested in. Luckily, I knew the answer. Reptiles! I got busy planning a few specific reptile activities for the following day in the hopes of engaging this child in a new way.
My friend brought in his snakes and lizards to show the class. And then we dropped by the local pet shop to look at reptiles and other animals. Even though that was many years ago, I remember clearly that the boy and I developed a strong bond that week. He felt understood, and his behavior improved dramatically.
So, for those of you working with children who are reluctant to try yoga, but love reptiles, Reptile Yoga might be just the yoga lesson for your children to help engage them in yoga through their biggest passion! Or alternatively, you might be studying reptiles and looking to add movement to your lesson. In either case, check out the five reptile-inspired yoga postures below.
5 Reptile Yoga Poses for Kids
Follow the five-pose flow below to learn about the largest and smallest reptiles in the world. Don’t worry if you haven’t tried yoga before—just jump in and give it a try. Clear the space, practice barefoot, and have fun. The focus is on introducing yoga to children, not on perfectly aligned poses. Be safe, but also encourage them to explore their creativity.
Pretend to be a crocodile.
Saltwater crocodiles are the largest crocodiles in the world. They can grow to over thirteen feet long and can be found in India, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
How to practice Plank Pose: From Downward-Facing Dog Pose, come forward to balance on your palms and your bent toes in a plank position. Keep your arms straight and your back long and flat. Pretend to be a saltwater crocodile.
Pretend to be a lizard.
The largest lizards in the world are the Komodo dragons of Indonesia, measuring almost ten feet long.
How to practice Lizard Pose: From Downward-Facing Dog Pose, shift forward to bring your shoulders over your wrists. Gently place your right foot on the outside of your right hand, with your right foot facing forward. Stay in this deep lunge for a moment. If you’re able, drop your elbows to the ground for a deeper stretch. Reverse the steps to come out of the pose. Switch sides and repeat the steps. Pretend to be a Komodo dragon.
Pretend to be a snake.
The longest snake in the world is the anaconda from South America. It can grow to more than thirteen feet in length.
How to practice Cobra Pose: Lie on your tummy and place your palms flat next to your shoulders. Pressing into your hands, lift your head and shoulders off the ground. Pretend to be an anaconda.
Pretend to be a gecko.
At just 3/4ths of an inch, the tiny geckos from the Caribbean are the smallest reptiles in the world.
How to practice Extended Cat Pose: Come to all fours, extend one leg out behind you, and look forward. Take the opposite arm out in front of you to counterbalance. Repeat on the other side. Pretend to be a tiny gecko.
Pretend to be a turtle.
The largest turtle is the giant tortoise of the Galapagos Islands, weighing 350 pounds and measuring over three feet across.
How to practice Extended Child’s Pose: Sit on your heels, slowly bring your forehead down to rest in front of your knees, place the palms of your hands flat out in front of you, and take a few deep breaths. Imagine being a giant tortoise.
What’s your favorite reptile yoga pose? Share below.
PIN IT FOR LATER
Check Out Our Dinosaur Yoga Cards for Kids
Do your children love dinosaurs? Are you looking for fun, active, and engaging ways to teach them about prehistoric animals?
If your answer is yes, then it’s time to introduce them to Dinosaur Yoga. Pretend to be a T-Rex, Stegosaurus, and a Triceratops with these dinosaur-themed yoga cards. 52 digital cards in total with 20 dinosaur yoga poses and 20 description cards. Ages 4+
Download Dinosaur Yoga Cards for Kids here.
May We Suggest Simple Yoga Sequences for Kids Book 2
Engaging and fun 5-pose yoga sequences for 30 themes!
Looking for a set of simple lesson guides with a quick five-pose yoga sequence based on a single theme?
This eBook has a total of 30 playful and fun themes, each on a single page that you can copy or print off and practice with your children in the classroom or at home.
This digital download includes five yoga poses for 30 different yoga themes, instructions, and helpful large visuals. This is a perfect addition for in the classroom, playroom, or anywhere else kids practice yoga!
Ages 4+.
Download Simple Yoga Sequences for Kids Book 2 here.
Check Out Similar Posts
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
LIST OF 58 YOGA POSES FOR KIDS
SEASONAL KIDS YOGA LESSON PLANS
MONTHLY KIDS YOGA THEMES
HOLIDAY KIDS YOGA LESSON PLANS
KIDS YOGA IDEAS USING CHILDREN’S BOOKS
HOW TO PLAY YOGA GAMES WITH LARGE GROUPS OF KIDS
COLLECTION OF ANIMAL YOGA IDEAS FOR KIDS
GET UPDATES FROM KIDS YOGA STORIES
To find out about other thematic yoga sequences, join our weekly Kids Yoga Stories newsletter by adding your name and email to the box at the top of the page.
