Have you ever looked around your classroom and noticed that glazed-over look in your students’ eyes during a long reading or writing session? Same. The struggle to keep them engaged is real—especially when English class requires so much sitting. But what if I told you there’s a way to keep them moving and learning without sacrificing your lesson plans? Enter: Literary Yoga.
This idea hit me when I realized that just as yoga connects breath and movement, we can connect literary elements to yoga poses. The result? A fun, interactive way to reinforce critical thinking skills without your students even realizing they’re learning. I started experimenting with this concept in my own classroom, and it quickly became a game-changer. So grab your coffee (or tea), and let me share how you can transform your ELA lessons with a little movement magic!
Why Movement in ELA Matters
Research shows that sitting for long periods isn’t just bad for our bodies—it’s tough on our brains too. Moving even a little can boost focus, memory, and creativity, making your students more receptive to new ideas. But if you’re like me, figuring out how to add movement into an English class can feel like a puzzle with missing pieces. Yoga-inspired prompts turned out to be that missing piece. They combine mindfulness with literary analysis, making abstract concepts more concrete (and way more fun).
10 Literary Yoga Poses to Try in Your Classroom
Mountain Pose for Generating Ideas:
Stand tall and confident. Ask students to brainstorm ideas as solid as a mountain.
Prompt: “Write about a moment when you felt grounded and strong.”Tree Pose for Character Development:
Balance on one leg like a tree. Explore your character’s roots (backstory) and branches (actions).
Prompt: “How do your character’s roots influence their actions?”Bridge Pose for Connecting Plot Points:
Build a bridge between key events in your story.
Prompt: “Write about a moment that connects two crucial plot points.”Low Lunge Twist for Conflict:
Twist to represent different perspectives in a conflict.
Prompt: “Write about a moment when your character faced a crossroads.”Bow Pose for Rising Action:
Feel the tension build like a bowstring being pulled back.
Prompt: “Describe a moment when tension builds in your story.”Butterfly Pose for Transformation:
Open and stretch like a butterfly’s wings.
Prompt: “Write about how your character transforms by the end of the story.”Happy Baby Pose for Lighthearted Moments:
Find playfulness in your story.
Prompt: “Write about a joyful memory that your character cherishes.”Frog Pose for Reflection:
Sink deep and reflect.
Prompt: “Write about a moment when your character was forced to slow down and think.”Star Pose for Inspiration:
Stretch wide and explore limitless possibilities.
Prompt: “Write about a moment when your character feels inspired.”Upward-Facing Dog for Breakthroughs:
Lift your chest and gaze upward to symbolize growth and resilience.
Prompt: “Write about a breakthrough your character experiences.”
How to Incorporate Literary Yoga in Your Classroom
- Brain Breaks with Purpose: Quick yoga-inspired prompts get students moving while sneaking in literary analysis. Win-win!
- Learning Stations: Print out task cards with yoga poses and writing prompts for small group rotations.
- SEL and Mindfulness: Use calming poses like Child’s Pose for reflection writing prompts to help students process emotions.
Classroom Vibes: Lighthearted or Chill?
The beauty of Literary Yoga is that it’s flexible (pun totally intended). Want to keep it light? Laugh through some of the poses with your students. Need a more introspective vibe? Dim the lights, play soft music, and use poses like Turtle Pose for reflective writing.
Why You’ll Love This Approach:
- No yoga mats required.
- Poses can be done seated or standing.
- Works for both in-person and virtual classrooms.
- Perfect for SEL, trauma-informed practices, and keeping wiggly students engaged.
Final Thoughts (Because We’re Teachers and We Overthink Everything)
The best part about Literary Yoga is that it makes literary analysis feel less like a chore and more like an adventure. It’s a way to get students to feel what they’re learning—literally. Plus, the boost in focus and creativity is a bonus for you too.
So, teacher bestie, if you’re ready to breathe some new life into your ELA lessons, try adding a little yoga-inspired movement. Your students might just surprise you (and themselves).
Got a favorite pose or prompt? I’d love to hear about it—drop a comment below!
Namaste and happy teaching! 🧘♀️✍️
