How to Set Up the Perfect After-School Yoga Class
By Michelle Faber, Founder of Busy Minds Education® & Little Yogis Academy®
Hey awesome instructors!
Let’s talk about something that can totally make or break your class…
✨ Your setup. ✨
Before you even cue your first “Downward Dog,” your space is already speaking for you. Is it calm? Inviting? Organized? Or… a little chaotic with yoga dots in random corners and a speaker that won’t connect? (We’ve all been there 😅).
The good news: setting up the perfect after-school yoga class doesn’t have to be complicated — it’s all about creating a cozy, calm vibe that makes kids (and you!) feel grounded and ready to flow.
Let’s break it down 👇
Set the Scene
Your yoga circle is your classroom. It’s where all the magic happens!
💡 Pro tips:
Lay out your yoga circles or mats in a perfect circle — it helps everyone see each other and builds connection.
Leave space in the middle for props, breathing balls, and your calm-down tools.
Keep your own “teacher spot” open — that’s your command center.
Avoid clutter (bye-bye random toys and snack wrappers).
A clean, intentional setup = instant calm energy.
Give Each Kid a Breathing Ball
If you’ve ever seen a Hoberman sphere expand and contract, you know it’s hypnotic. Kids love it — and it’s the perfect mindfulness tool.
Try placing one breathing ball on each mat (or at least a few to pass around).
Start class with a simple breath exercise that fits the theme of your class.
It helps everyone settle into the space — and bonus: it buys you 60 seconds to breathe, too. 😉
You can even use our Finger Tracing Breathing Pages if you want a calmer alternative!
🎶 Step 3: Add the Vibe — Calm Music 🎧
Music changes everything.
Turn on your inner DJ and play a gentle instrumental playlist while you set up or as students arrive. Think nature sounds, soft acoustic, or chill beats.
🌿 Pro move: Search for our “Little Yogis Calm Class Playlist” on Spotify or use your own go-to mix. Just keep it low enough that your voice still feels soft and warm over the music.
Keep Yoga Colouring Pages Handy
When your class wraps up, there’s often that in-between moment where kids need to chill before pickup. This is your secret weapon!
🖍 Print a few of our Yoga Colouring Pages and hand them out during calm-down time. It’s a mindful way to transition from movement to stillness — and it keeps everyone engaged while you tidy up props or chat with parents.
Let them take their masterpiece home — it’s a great conversation starter for families and a sweet reminder of their yoga time with you!
Props, Props, Props!
Props make your class more playful and help kids focus.
Your go-to checklist:
✅ Yoga dots or mats in a circle
✅ Breathing balls
✅ Scarves or beanbags for games
✅ Chime or singing bowl for mindfulness moments
✅ A mini “calm table” with a mind jar or affirmation cards
Bonus points if you add a Busy Minds or Little Yogis banner — it makes your setup look so polished and professional (and totally Instagram-worthy 📸).
End on a High (and Calm) Note
After savasana, always end with connection. Gather the kids in your circle again and ask a quick reflection question:
“What made you smile today?”
“How does your body feel right now?”
Then, with hands at heart, say your signature goodbye:
“Namaste, friends.”
Trust me, those little moments are the ones they’ll remember. 💛
Final Thoughts
Here’s the truth: your setup sets the tone.
When you take a few extra minutes to make your space feel calm, intentional, and welcoming, you’re not just teaching yoga — you’re creating an experience kids will look forward to all week.
So take a deep breath, press play on your calm tunes, and make that circle shine. You’ve got this, teacher rockstar!