
english
5 and up


Yoga
Mindfulness
Social-Emotional Learning
Family Activities
Crystal McCreary & Andrea Pippins


summary
this yoga deck is so cool! the large cards are broken down into different categories to help kids work through big emotions like jealousy, excitement, shame, and peace. emotional intelligence is so important, and I love the emphasis that big emotions are big emotions, they aren’t good or bad, and having coping skills is of the utmost importance.
there is a mix of yoga poses and activities throughout the deck, and they can be used as an individual, a family, or a classroom. they’re versatile and their large size makes them easy to see in a group and for little hands to hold onto.
the deck was kindly sent by Bala Kids, but all opinions are my own. make sure you join us today afternoon from 2:30-3pm EST for an event with author Crystal McCreary herself! we will be doing some activities from the deck as well as a Q&A.

Crystal McCreary
Crystal McCreary is a former elementary school teacher and has taught yoga and mindfulness since 2007. She is committed to creating and holding safe spaces for people to connect, heal, learn, and build resilience and equity in a world that often takes relentless hold of our bodies, minds, and hearts. Crystal supports organizations, individuals and groups through professional development workshops, trainings, yoga classes and lovingly curated yoga and wellness retreats internationally. Her programs feature embodied healing modalities including: yoga, mindfulness, breath work, restorative yoga and practices, discussion and reflection, ritual, and emphasize the importance of self-care and sustainability as the gateway to social justice and community healing in the world. Crystal’s aim is to make yoga and mindfulness inclusive and adaptive, trauma-informed and accessible for all. She is registered with Yoga Alliance as an ERYT500 and RCYT.
Crystal also serves on the Yoga Alliance Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility Advisory Committee for the upcoming revised Yoga Alliance teacher training standards. She is proud to lead Little Flower Yoga’s 100-hour kids yoga and mindfulness teacher training and that of NYC-based Bent On Learning as well. She is a contributing faculty member for Mindful Schools and facilitates trauma-informed yoga for court-involved youth in juvenile detention centers with Lineage Project of NY. Through these organizations and her own company, Crystal implements yoga and mindfulness programs in New York City Schools, organizations, and in corporations committed to cultivating sustainable and compassionate community environments. She participates regularly as a curriculum consultant and lead teacher for research studies on yoga and mindfulness conducted by CUNY-Hunter’s public health department, and teaches public classes in New York City.


Andrea Pippins
Andrea Pippins is an illustrator and author who has a passion for creating images that reflect what she wants to see in art, media, and design. Her work has been featured in Essence Magazine, The New York Times, and O: The Oprah Magazine. She has produced artwork for brands such as ESPN, Five Below, Instagram, Sephora, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Malala Fund, Nick Jr., USPS and VH1.
Andrea is the author of: Who Will You Be? a look into the life of little boy and the people in his community who shape who he is; Becoming Me, an interactive journal for young women to color, doodle, and brainstorm their way to a creative life; and We Inspire Me, a collection of essays, interviews, and advice on cultivating and empowering one’s own creative community. She also illustrated Young Gifted and Black, Step Into Your Power, and Big Ideas for Young Thinkers.
Andrea is based in Stockholm.