I will be the first to admit that this age group used to scare me a bit. Not because I didn’t know how to teach them, but because I know how important it is to be teaching this age group. While yoga with the little ones is pretty much all fun and play, this age group is so impressionable. They have opinions, thoughts, views on everything and what I say and do with them will make a huge impact. They are self-conscious, shy, outspoken, obnoxious and thoughtful. It’s an age group I’ve started diving into full force as opportunities to teach these kids keep coming up. It’s like I’m supposed to be teaching this population because there are so many eager tweens asking for it! 
The age range I teach is a little wider then some tween classes you may find- my classes range from 7-12yrs with most kids falling into the 7-10 yr old range. They come to class wanting a more “adult style” class, yet beg for me to use the sunshines! Ahh, those tweens, always keeps you guessing. After a few years of tackling this age group, I’ve figured out a few other things that seem to really work.
Ideas for working with Tweens:
2) Start the class in a restorative pose. I love teaching them how to set themselves up with blocks and bolsters so when they come in, they can take ownership of their relaxation. They come from a long day of school, when they come to me, they get to just be and let it all melt away. 
6) Games! These kids love games and I love teaching yoga games. We all need a little fun to end our day and yoga games offer just that, with no competition. They spend so much of their time trying to be the best, or first or to win. I tried to play musical mats to a bunch of 13-14 yr olds this summer and they would only play if there was a winner! That is so ingrained in them, that non-competitive games are almost unheard of by that age! 
7) Teach yoga philosophy and concepts. We talk Ahimsa, peace, and mudras. They learn sanscrit names for poses. I use essential oils during relaxation. I like having kids leave feeling like they really learned something special that they aren’t learning anywhere else. 
9) Breathing Exercises and Mindfulness are key. These kids are over scheduled and over worked. They have crazy hormones and are extremely temperamental. Giving them tools to use when they have these big emotions will set them up for success as they get older. I find that teaching breathing exercises and mindfulness gives me the most pleasure and I see the most value in these activities. They need to learn to slow down, breathe, notice, feel, focus and sit quietly. It’s amazing to watch them use it and even more amazing to hear them tell me they use it at home and school.
Please check my schedule if you are interested in having your own tween take a class with me! fullofjoyoga.com/schedule.htm
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