Audree’s Journey: From School Teacher to Kids Yoga Instructor

Audree shares 💝

Creative teaching ideas, insights from charitable work

In this exclusive interview, Audree Vaillancourt, a school teacher and kids yoga instructor, shares her insights on teaching, the power of yoga, and how she integrates creativity and movement to foster children's social-emotional growth. 

YB: Audree, you worked for years as a school teacher. Please share your journey to kids yoga.

AV:  During Covid, I had time to reflect on what would help build resilient kids and help them acquire more social-emotional skills. I found myself missing my yoga classes and craving a sense of community. Yoga had been so beneficial for my emotional balance, and I wondered how it might have impacted me had I learned it earlier in life. So, I took a 200-hour teacher training with Phoenix Yoga (Downtown Eastside, previously Karma Yoga) and followed up with a 95-hour trauma-informed kids yoga certification through YogaEd (now Breath for Change). Shortly after, I began teaching kids in schools and community centers.

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Playing Yoga in the Sunshine

YB: What are your favourite subjects to teach in school and why?

AV: My favourite subjects are art and writing. Art encourages creativity, exploration, and mindfulness, which I love. Choosing projects and displaying them gives me a sense of pride, and I hope the kids feel the same! Writing, on the other hand, can be challenging to teach, but I've found a structured approach through Writing Workshops. Storytelling resonates with both children and adults, and I believe it’s crucial to keep that enthusiasm for writing, dancing, and creating alive.

YB: You are also certified in Dancepl3y! Could you share your experience and how you integrate dance with yoga?

AV: Dancepl3y is all about making dance accessible and fun while helping kids develop physical literacy and boosting their mental health. That’s why it fits so well with yoga! I integrate free movement, dance parties with props like scarves and ribbons, and sometimes even teach simple choreography during my yoga classes. It's a great way to keep the kids engaged while blending dance and yoga.

YB: What are some differences between classroom teaching and teaching yoga to kids
AV: Both require classroom management and relationship-building, but classroom teaching is more structured, with a set curriculum and grading for multiple subjects. Yoga, on the other hand, is more flexible. It allows for more games and movement, and there's less sitting around. It's a great way to offer kids a break from the traditional classroom environment while still learning valuable life skills.

YB: You also worked in charities like UNICEF and Amnesty International. What did you take away from those experiences?

AV: I believe everyone can contribute to making the world a better place. We can all help reduce injustice and promote human dignity. One of the most important things I’ve learned is how to persuade people to act out of generosity. It’s all about keeping messages simple and building rapport with people. That skill has been incredibly valuable, whether in charity work or teaching yoga.

YB: As a Québecoise, what insight can you share about adapting to the educational and cultural landscape of BC?

AV: As a Québecoise, I’ve learned the importance of understanding the traditional and unceded territories of the First Nations who originally occupied these lands. There is so much wisdom in their teachings and values. I think it’s fantastic that the BC curriculum is integrating First Nations’ perspectives, and I hope to see this happen across Canada.

YB: What would you like to share with new or aspiring kids yoga teachers?

AV: Kids yoga is incredibly rewarding, but don’t get discouraged if a class doesn’t go as planned. Being a good kids yoga teacher means being able to alternate between high and low-energy activities and using tools like music, rhythm, and games to maintain focus. Playing with contrast—like fast and slow, big and small, loud and quiet—can be really effective. Most importantly, bring your authentic self to the class. Kids respond when you are inspired and engaged!

YB: How can people reach you if they'd like to learn more about your work?

AV: They can find me on Instagram @audreevaillancourt or reach me via email at audree@yogabuggy.com

Audree’s journey from classroom teaching to kids yoga is a testament to the power of creativity, movement, and mindfulness in helping children thrive. Whether through art, writing, dance, or yoga, Audree’s holistic approach encourages kids to build resilience and emotional balance. If you’re an aspiring kids yoga teacher or looking to bring these benefits to your community, connect with Audree to learn more!