Beth Houghton founded Bendy Berry Yoga in 2009 - a unique and playful introduction to yoga for kids. She worked her way through several careers film, tech. After a decade of teaching in Bay Area schools, and with the encouragement of her business partner, Iman Mills Gordon, Beth decided to fulfill her dream and start the East Bay's first yoga studio dedicated solely to teaching yoga to children.
Yama Kids Yoga is the realization of that dream. So few people can or get to do what they love for work and she knows what a gift this studio is, both to her, to Iman, and to the kids who will come do yoga in this special space. Beth lives in Oakland with her two kids - her best teachers, and many pets.
Yama Kids Yoga is the realization of that dream. So few people can or get to do what they love for work and she knows what a gift this studio is, both to her, to Iman, and to the kids who will come do yoga in this special space. Beth lives in Oakland with her two kids - her best teachers, and many pets.
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The YAMA KIDS YOGA mission is to teach movement, mindfulness and kindness to the next generation. We value teaching movement to kids but we also think the deeper philosophy of yoga is important to impart to the next generation. Specifically, the importance of practicing kindness to oneself and others, as well as a foundational understanding of our connection to each other.
Our YouTube Channel includes several stories and songs that your preschoolers can try at home. See a sampling of our videos below. Visit our to YouTube Channel view our full collection of yoga videos. Visit our to YouTube Channel view our full collection of yoga videos for your preschoolers to do home.
We love Yama Kids Yoga! I take my 2 year old most Mondays and he looks forward to it every week. Beth does such a great job making all the kids feel comfortable and introducing yoga to the little ones. My son loves showing off his yoga poses at home! The classes are the perfect combination of structure and flexibility for an active toddler who can only stay focused for so long.
This toddler yoga class, intended for 2-3 yo kids, is a mixture of yoga games, stories, beginning postures and movement. The class encourages physical and mental development while introducing kids to the language and movement of yoga, with some laughter along the way.
Parents will need to be nearby for wrangling and although you needn't participate, kids really love to crawl through parent down-dog tunnels and do more when their parents start bending too.Elementary school classes combine yoga games, postures, and meditation. We incorporate more advanced yoga language and posture instruction at this level.
Parents will need to be nearby for wrangling and although you needn't participate, kids really love to crawl through parent down-dog tunnels and do more when their parents start bending too.Elementary school classes combine yoga games, postures, and meditation. We incorporate more advanced yoga language and posture instruction at this level.
At Yama Yoga Camp, the kids will learn yoga poses, meditation, and mindfulness. We'll do yoga, breathing, meditating, crafts, collaborative art, and a bit of running around. We'll introduce kids to the real meaning of yoga - to be thoughtful and kind, both to one another and to themselves. Come join us for the special introduction to the real reason everyone loves yoga!
Reviews (17)
Nessa T.
Nov 05, 2019
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The teacher is a saint. The yoga is amazing. I have taken the kindergartener class a couple times with my kids. I have taken kids yoga elsewhere before. But this is the real deal. You and your kids will be smiling the whole time and amazingly she gets the kids to experience de real stillness in savasana. She is pure magic. Extremely pro class management. I have no idea how she does it. How many little kids with energy in every direction, yet she makes space for the yoga to really happen. The pace of class is perfect, her attitude perfect, the space perfect. Easy street parking. Nice stop at the
Joan D.
Aug 22, 2019
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Yama Kids Yoga is extraordinary--in a league of its own. While I am sure Beth is as outstanding with little kids over 4 as she is with toddlers, my experience is with the toddlers.
She understands 2.5 year olds and has a seemingly endless bag of age appropriate activities which bring yoga positions into the world the toddlers know--familiar songs, colors, playful and yet moving them along the spectrum so that as they age, they will be ready for more disciplined yoga.
In some ways it was a stretch--he told his mother, it was hard. But he loved it and wants to go back.
She understands 2.5 year olds and has a seemingly endless bag of age appropriate activities which bring yoga positions into the world the toddlers know--familiar songs, colors, playful and yet moving them along the spectrum so that as they age, they will be ready for more disciplined yoga.
In some ways it was a stretch--he told his mother, it was hard. But he loved it and wants to go back.
Jessica N.
Jun 17, 2019
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Rockridge L.
Jan 25, 2019
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I've been taking my 2.5 year old son to the toddler classes here. He's a really active kid but Beth holds his attention and he has a great time in class. It's such a fun thing for us to do together, and the other moms and caregivers are a very nice and chill group of people.
I love that she's made it super flexible in how you can buy 1 class or more, the passes never expire, and you can do drop ins. Yama is a great find.
I love that she's made it super flexible in how you can buy 1 class or more, the passes never expire, and you can do drop ins. Yama is a great find.
T. F.
Jan 03, 2019
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My daughter's birthday party was scheduled at a park last November, right when the Camp Fire struck. Because of the poor air quality, we had to postpone the party one week, but when the air quality worsened the following weekend, I was afraid we would have to cancel her party altogether. Beth came to the rescue and accepted my request to have her host the birthday party with less than 48 hours notice. She was able to lead a one hour class of yoga with such ease for the sixteen kids we had invited, ranging in age from 1.5-6-- kids who had been kept indoors for the last couple of weeks with
Kate D.
Jan 02, 2019
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My three-year-old daughter and I attended Yama Yoga's family class on New Year's Day and we both loved it! The teacher managed to hold my daughter's attention for the full hour (no small feat) with just the right mix of structure and play. She had a blast and slept like a rock at naptime afterwards. There are some good stretches and poses for the parents too. It was a really fun, creative class. We'll be back.
Kami D.
Sep 04, 2018
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Pablo H.
Aug 31, 2018
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Preet A.
Aug 11, 2018
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Xiang L.
Aug 04, 2018
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Sheila P.
Jul 21, 2018
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Tiffany F.
Jul 11, 2018
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I can't say enough about Yama Kids Yoga and Beth, the best instructor ever! She is nothing short of magic with her ability to make yoga fun and engaging for kids. I have a six year old and two year old and both look forward to class with Beth. Her friendly and playful teaching approach is second to none. Beth will be teaching my girls yoga and mindfulness for many years to come!
Vanessa S.
Jun 09, 2018
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My 3 year old just finished all 6 of her preschool yoga series classes. Beth knows how to draw all sorts of kids in, when to engage them and when to let them be. She's silly, fun, and super friendly. And she somehow gets a bunch of high energy preschoolers to lie down and let everything go at the end of class. Thank you Beth for opening an east bay kids yoga studio, we are so lucky to have you!
Julia Gidwani
Jun 04, 2018
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There's something special about Beth, she's just a natural with children. I loved the pace of the toddler class, the music and the flow. The studio is beautiful. It's naturally filled with sun and has an airy, open layout. The bathroom has a changing table (they thought of everything) and I also love the lounge area in the loft. Yama provides yoga mats, which is really helpful considering if you have a toddler or multiplier kids, you're already carrying a ton of stuff! There is a parking lot behind the buildings with ample paid parking spots.
Kyle M.
Jun 02, 2018
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Cassie G.
May 05, 2018
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Beth Houghton is an amazing yoga teacher for kids of all ages. My son had her for yoga at his first preschool and we loved her so much that when we switched preschools we got her set up to teach at the new one as well. My son is now in first grade and was so excited to learn that Beth now has her own studio. We promptly signed up and he just had his first class this past week. After an amazingly energizing class full of activities to promote concentration, balance and coordination, she ended with a quiet relaxation and shavasana to calm and center the kids. My son gave her a big hug after class
Leslie F.
May 03, 2018
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My 11 year old daughter just started a class at Yama Kids Yoga, the new Yoga studio for young folks over on Ashby near College. She loved the class and Beth, the teacher, is really engaging! In fact my daughter had so much fun she said she wished the class was more than just 1 day each week. I really encourage folks to sign up!
