Yoga freeze game

Setup

1. Move the mats to the edges of the room so the middle is a clear, non-slip floor; check for anything to trip over.
2. Pick four or five poses the group already knows, such as tree, star, chair and warrior II, and show each one once.
3. Agree the rules: walk in the space without touching anyone, and when the music stops or the teacher says 'Freeze!', make the called pose.

How it runs

1. Everyone starts on their own mat. Start the music and invite the children into the middle to move in a set way: tiptoe walking, slow-motion walking or moving like a named animal.
2. Stop the music and call a pose, e.g. 'Freeze: tree pose (Vrksasana)!'. Children stand on one leg with the other foot at the ankle or calf and stay for three to five breaths.
3. Restart and change the way of moving: giant steps, sideways steps, or floating like a jellyfish.
4. Freeze again into a different pose: star pose (arms and legs wide), chair pose (Utkatasana) or warrior II (Virabhadrasana II). Keep each hold short.
5. Play six to eight rounds, mixing one-legged and two-footed poses so legs don't tire.
6. Finish by walking slowly back to the mats and resting in child's pose (Balasana) for five breaths.

Coaching points

• Nobody is 'out': a wobble or a foot down is part of the game, and they simply try again.
• Walking only, no running; slow the movement down if the room gets busy.
• Show the pose as you call it so younger children can copy.
• Use spoken cues such as 'find a still spot to look at' rather than holding or steadying a child.
• Remind the group to keep breathing in every freeze; giggling is allowed.

Common mistakes

• Moving too fast and bumping into others.
• Pressing the lifted foot into the side of the knee in tree.
• Freezes held so long the game loses its pace.
• Children holding their breath while they stay still.