How to Use +Body Poetry Yoga Cards with Kids
By The Autism Community Store | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to introduce yoga to children using +Body Poetry Yoga Cards. This guide covers setup, poses, and tips for making mindfulness fun and accessible.
Quick answer
Use +Body Poetry Yoga Cards to guide children through yoga poses step by step. The cards are split into three levels—easy, intermediate, and challenging—so you can start simple and build skills over time.
Why yoga cards work for kids
Yoga improves physical health and mental discipline, which is especially helpful for children who benefit from structured, visual instructions. The cards show a photograph of a child on the front and illustrated instructions on the back, so kids can see what the pose looks like before trying it themselves.
The three difficulty levels let you match poses to each child's ability. Starting with easy poses builds confidence, while intermediate and challenging poses keep things interesting as skills grow.
Making it sensory-friendly
For children with sensory sensitivities, the bright graphic images on the front of each card provide a clear, calm visual cue. You can present one card at a time to avoid overwhelming the child. If a pose feels too complex, skip it or modify it—there is no pressure to complete every card in order.
How to use +Body Poetry Yoga Cards
- 1. Choose a calm space: Pick a quiet area with enough room to stretch. Lay the cards face up on the floor or a table so the child can see the images clearly. Avoid busy or noisy rooms—this helps the child focus on the poses rather than distractions.
- 2. Start with an easy pose: Select a card from the easy level. Show the front image to the child, then flip it over to read the simple instructions. Demonstrate the pose yourself if needed. Common mistake: jumping to a hard pose too soon. Let the child master several easy poses before moving up.
- 3. Let the child lead: Hand the card to the child and let them try the pose. Offer gentle guidance only if they look stuck. Praise their effort, not just the final shape. If the child resists, don't force it. Put the card aside and try again later—yoga should feel like play, not work.
- 4. Build a short routine: Pick 3–4 cards from the same or mixed levels and arrange them in a sequence. Do the poses one after another, holding each for a few breaths. Keep sessions under 10 minutes for young children. Short, consistent practice is better than long, infrequent sessions.
- 5. End with a calm-down pose: Finish with a relaxing pose like Child's Pose or Savasana. Use the card as a visual cue to signal that the activity is winding down. This helps children transition out of active movement and into a calm state, reinforcing the mindfulness aspect of yoga.
Product details
- +Body Poetry: Yoga Cards: Each card shows a photograph of a child surrounded by a bright graphic image on the front and illustrated instructions on the reverse. Children can see a real peer doing the pose, which makes the activity relatable and easier to imitate.
+Body Poetry: Yoga Cards
