Phase 1: Foundation (2 classes/week)

Building regulation, understanding the practice, and creating trust.

This is the most important stage of a child’s Happy Yoga journey. In Phase 1, children receive consistent, individualized support to help them settle into the routine, feel safe in the space, and understand what yoga practice looks like.

Happy Yoga focuses on:

• Adaptive yoga modifications to meet each child where they are

• Behavior support and gentle redirection

• Hand-over-hand assistance to learn poses safely

• Co-regulation strategies to help calm the body + mind

• Building trust and connection with the instructor

• Developing predictable routines that the child can rely on

• Understanding sensory needs (movement, pressure, calm input)

• Learning how to transition between movements and activities

• Staying on the mat and participating with support

• Understanding expectations in a gentle, clear way

• Introducing breathing tools for calming and grounding

• Visual strategies and visual pose guides to support understanding

• “Copy-me” stage practice to build imitation skills

This phase lays the foundation for all social, motor, behavioral, and emotional skills.

Most students remain in this stage for 1–2 years, depending on comfort, readiness, and developmental needs.

Phase 2: Partner Yoga (1–2 partner classes/week)

Developing social skills, shared space, teamwork, and early connection.

As children become more regulated and confident, they gradually move into partner yoga. This phase introduces social and communication skills in a safe, guided, and supported way.

Partner sessions help children practice:

• Sharing space and equipment

• Taking turns and waiting

• Following a shared pace with another child

• Teamwork and cooperative movement

• Early social communication in a low-pressure environment

• Understanding personal boundaries

• Respecting another child’s space

• Fun partner poses to build connection and joy

• Short meditation practices based on their skill level

• Introduction to Trataka (candle gazing for focus) when appropriate

• Gentle Yoga Nidra for kids, adapted to attention span

This phase is empowering and motivating. Many children make big developmental leaps as they learn to connect, collaborate, and succeed with another child—while still receiving full support.

Phase 3: Ongoing Practice & Support (1 class/week)

Maintaining progress, building independence, and staying grounded long-term.

Once a child is steady, regulated, and demonstrates strong independence, they move to one class per week.

This stage helps children stay connected to their breath, their bodies, and their inner calm through a steady yoga practice. This regular practice reflects in their focus and confidence as they continue to grow.

Ongoing sessions focus on:

• Long-term emotional regulation

• Maintaining flexibility and strength

• Reinforcing breathing and calming tools

• Improving attention, sequencing, and focus

• Encouraging independence with minimal prompting

• Helping teens balance academics + routines

• Sustaining confidence and self-awareness

• Meditation practices

• Short Yoga Nidra based on attention needs and comfort