In the workshop, children explored yoga through storytelling, play, and gentle breathing, learning that calm can be fun too

Sharjah, November 10, 2025 

Amid the buzz at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2025, one corner offered young visitors a rare gift — stillness. The ‘Calm Corners: Mindful Moments for Kids’ workshop, led by UAE-based yoga teacher Lily, brought together movement, breath, and imagination in a delightful session designed especially for children.

For Lily, who has been teaching yoga for six years across Dubai and Sharjah, introducing mindfulness to children is both a passion and a purpose. “Yoga isn’t just for adults,” she said. “Children as young as two can start learning through imitation, and by the time they’re five or six, they’re ready to really explore how their bodies move and feel.”

The session welcomed over 15 children, all eager to swap their iPads for yoga mats. Shoes off and legs crossed, the kids followed Lily’s calm yet playful instructions. The class began with simple breathing exercises and the visualisation kept them engaged while subtly teaching focus and control.

From there, Lily guided them through a series of stretches and poses inspired by animals, such as the cow, cat, dog, and butterfly, sparking giggles. To make it more interesting, she encouraged the kids to think of movements as “stirring the pot” and “tapping the floor,” keeping the atmosphere lively and interactive. “With kids, it’s important to make yoga fun. They learn best when they’re laughing, moving, and imagining,” she explained.

The kids followed the movements attentively and asked questions as they did the exercises. “It’s always a challenge to get children calm,” Lily said, “but despite their boundless energy, the class today did very well.”

Participants Aya and Sarah shared that their favourite part was striking the poses, a playful reminder that mindfulness doesn’t have to be quiet to be meaningful. The class ended with a round of applause, each child clapping for one another, celebrating the joy of shared movement.

For Lily, attending SIBF 2025 has been an inspiring experience in itself. “It’s my first time here, and it’s amazing, so many cultures, so many languages, and most importantly, so many children engaging with books and activities off-screen,” she said. “In today’s world, that’s so important.”

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