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While in the scorpion pose, try holding the raised foot with your opposite hand. Capture and share!

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Instructions

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Let's learn about the scorpion and do the scorpion pose! #kidsyoga #yogaforkids

What you need

Yoga mat or towel, cushions or pillows, comfortable clothes, water bottle, adult supervision required

Step 1

Put on comfortable clothes that let you move easily.

Step 2

Lay your yoga mat or towel on the floor with one short edge touching a clear wall.

Step 3

Place cushions or pillows behind the mat near the wall for head safety.

Step 4

Do a gentle warm-up by standing and reaching both arms up and then letting them drop three times.

Step 5

Put your hands shoulder-width apart on the mat a few inches from the wall.

Step 6

Walk your feet up the wall slowly until your hips stack over your shoulders and your body makes an L-shape.

Step 7

Take three slow deep breaths while keeping your hands steady on the mat.

Step 8

Gently bend your knees and try to bring your toes a little closer to the back of your head as far as feels comfortable.

Step 9

Hold the gentle scorpion shape for three to five slow breaths without forcing the movement.

Step 10

Slowly straighten your legs down the wall until they are flat against the wall.

Step 11

Walk your feet down the wall and step both feet onto the floor to stand up with control.

Step 12

Rest on your back or in child's pose and take three calming breaths to relax your back.

Step 13

Share your finished creation on DIY.org

Help!?

What can we use if we don't have a yoga mat, cushions, or a clear wall?

Use a thick towel or folded blanket on carpet in place of the yoga mat, stack sofa cushions or folded towels behind the mat for head safety, and lean against a sturdy doorframe or couch back if a clear wall isn't available.

My hands slip or I can't get my hips over my shoulders—what should I try?

Spread your fingers wide and press your palms firmly into the mat a few inches from the wall, engage your core while walking your feet up slowly to form the L-shape, and add extra cushions behind your head to pause safely if you need to adjust.

How can I adapt this scorpion pose for younger or older children?

For younger kids have an adult hold their hips and keep the feet lower on the wall with extra cushions behind the mat, while older kids can aim for a deeper toe-to-head bend and longer holds of three to five breaths with less cushion support.

How can we make this activity more fun or challenging to extend it?

Make it personal by setting a gentle progression goal for hold time, adding calming music during the three slow breaths, using a yoga block under the hands to vary the angle, and taking a photo to share on DIY.org.

4 Videos

Fun Facts

🧘 Scorpion pose is a deep backbend plus an inversion — using a wall turns an advanced move into a safe practice step for kids.

🧱 A wall gives instant feedback and helps beginners find balance faster when learning inverted poses.

🛋️ Cushions and mats reduce impact and make falls gentler, which helps children feel more confident trying new moves.

🧒 Regular short practice improves children's body awareness and coordination noticeably over a few weeks.

⏲️ Short, supervised sessions (about 5–10 minutes) done consistently are safer and more effective for young learners than long, infrequent practice.

How do you do a gentle scorpion pose variation against a wall with cushions?

Warm up with gentle backbends and shoulder rolls. Place a soft mat and cushions against a clear wall. Child lies on their belly a short distance from the wall, bends knees and walks feet up until heels can lightly touch the wall. With hands on the floor for support, they lift the chest a little and gently draw heels toward the head, keeping movements small and guided by an adult. Hold a few breaths and come out slowly.

What materials do I need for a wall-assisted scorpion pose variation for kids?

You’ll need a clear wall space, a non-slip yoga mat, a few firm cushions or folded blankets to pad the wall, and comfortable clothes that allow movement. Have an adult spotter available and optional props like a strap for ankle support or blocks for hand placement. Keep a timer and a phone nearby for supervision. Avoid hard surfaces and remove nearby furniture to prevent collisions.

What ages is a gentle wall scorpion pose variation suitable for?

This gentle wall-assisted version is best for children about 5–12 years old who have basic balance and can follow instructions. Younger children (3–4) benefit more from simple backbends and tummy play, while teens can try deeper variations with careful spotting. Always assess each child’s coordination and flexibility—start with very small movements and adult supervision, and skip the pose if the child feels fearful or uncomfortable.

What are the benefits and safety tips for kids doing a scorpion pose variation?

Wall-assisted scorpion practice builds balance, back flexibility, core strength, and body awareness while reducing fall risk. Safety tips: use cushions, limit hold times to a few breaths, never force the spine or neck, and have an adult spot or support the hips. Encourage slow progress, stop if there’s pain, and combine with warm-ups for shoulders, spine, and wrists. Praise effort and keep sessions short and playful.

Ready to create?