Yoga & Mindfulness Activities for 3rd–5th Grade

As children move through the upper elementary years, the way we introduce yoga and mindfulness can grow with them.

This collection includes yoga, movement, breathing, and mindfulness resources selected for children in third through fifth grade. Activities are designed to feel age-appropriate while giving kids opportunities to move, pause, notice what they're experiencing, and explore strategies they can use throughout their day.

Teachers can incorporate these resources into classroom brain breaks, morning meetings, transitions, SEL lessons, indoor recess, or wellness activities. School counselors and pediatric therapists can use selected activities in individual or small-group settings, while kids yoga teachers and families can build them into longer yoga or mindfulness practices.

You'll find yoga cards, breathing exercises, mindfulness activities, games, relaxation resources, and other practical tools for this age group.

Older elementary students can also begin taking more ownership of the experience. Rather than always having an adult choose the activity, children can select a breathing exercise, build a short yoga sequence, choose a movement break, or identify a strategy they want to practice.

The goal is simple: give kids useful, age-appropriate ways to incorporate movement and mindful pauses into their lives.

FAQs

How is yoga different for older elementary students?
Activities can become less dependent on pretend play and allow children to take more ownership by choosing poses, creating sequences, exploring breathing techniques, and reflecting on which strategies work for them.

How can teachers use yoga with 3rd–5th graders?
Yoga and mindfulness can be incorporated into brain breaks, transitions, morning meetings, SEL activities, indoor recess, wellness lessons, or short classroom resets.

Can these activities be used with small groups?
Yes. Many yoga, breathing, and mindfulness activities can be adapted for whole classrooms, small groups, counseling sessions, therapy settings, kids yoga classes, or individual use.