Why Wellness Belongs in After-School

Why Wellness Belongs in After-School Programs

By Patricia Lemos Oliveira, Founder of Upside Down Yoga Kids

It's 3:15 on a Tuesday. The school bell has rung, and a group of children walks into your community center, library, or classroom. One is still upset about a moment at recess. Another hasn't stopped moving since lunch. A third hasn't said a word all day.

In the next hour, what happens in that room can shape how those children feel for the rest of the evening, and how they come to see themselves over time.

That hour matters more than we often realize.

Kids are carrying more than ever

Ask any teacher, librarian, or recreation coordinator in Marin what they're noticing in children today, and you'll hear similar answers: kids are more anxious, more distracted, and quicker to feel overwhelmed. Many arrive at after-school programs already depleted from a full day of focus, social pressure, and sitting still.

As organizations that serve families, we share a common goal: to give children spaces where they can thrive. More and more, that means offering not only activities that keep kids busy, but experiences that help them regulate their emotions, reconnect with their bodies, and build confidence.

The case for movement and mindfulness

Children learn best when their nervous systems feel safe. A child who is stressed or overstimulated has a much harder time listening, cooperating, or engaging with peers. Movement, breathwork, and creative expression give kids practical tools to shift from "fight or flight" into a calmer, more focused state.

These benefits show up in the room. Program staff often notice smoother transitions, fewer conflicts, and children who leave more settled than when they arrived. Parents notice it too, and they increasingly look for programs that support their child's emotional wellbeing alongside physical activity.

What Upside Down Yoga Kids brings to your community

With 15 years of teaching experience, including 8 years working directly with children, I designed our programs to be easy for partners to host and meaningful for the families they serve.

After-school program.

Each 60-minute session combines 30 minutes of yoga using my Somatic Method, focused on nervous system relaxation and emotional regulation, with 30 minutes of arts and crafts. Classes are tailored to two age groups, young learners (3–6) and older kids (6–12), so every activity is developmentally appropriate.

Movement Lab.

Our seasonal weekend workshop builds strength and coordination through the 30/30/30 Method: 30 minutes of movement, 30 minutes of storytelling, and 30 minutes of arts and crafts. It runs as a morning session for ages 3–6 and an afternoon session for ages 6–12, making it a great fit for community centers, libraries, and schools looking for engaging weekend programming.

Summer Camp. 

When school is out, our summer camps keep children active, creative, and connected. Camp days blend yoga, movement games, mindfulness, storytelling, and arts and crafts, giving kids a joyful, balanced alternative to screen-heavy summers. For partners, summer camp is a simple way to offer high-quality seasonal programming that families actively seek out and often book early.

Turnkey and sustainable.

 We bring all materials, including yoga mats, printables, and craft supplies. Our crafts use sustainable, low-mess materials such as cardboard, which means minimal setup and cleanup for your staff and a lighter footprint for our community.

Partnering with us

Upside Down Yoga Kids is proud to work alongside respected organizations across Marin County, including Marin Horizon, Marin Wood Community Center, and Strawberry Recreation District. We are also excited to be working with as we expand our programs to more families this season.

Partnerships are flexible and can be shaped around your space, schedule, and community, whether you're looking for a weekly after-school program, a seasonal Movement Lab workshop, a summer camp, or something tailored to your families' needs.

For local businesses, there are meaningful ways to get involved as well: sponsoring a Movement Lab workshop, supporting scholarship spots so more children can participate, or hosting a family wellness event for your customers or employees. Supporting children's wellbeing is one of the most visible and heartfelt ways a business can invest in its community.

Let's make that hour count

Think back to those children walking through the door at 3:15. With the right support, the child who was upset can learn to calm their body. The one who couldn't sit still can channel that energy into strength. The quiet one can discover a voice through art and story.Every child deserves tools to feel calm, strong, and capable, all year long. When schools, community organizations, and local businesses work together, we can make those tools accessible to many more families across Marin.If you'd like to bring an after-school program, Movement Lab, or summer camp to your site, or explore a sponsorship, I would love to connect.

Patricia Lemos Oliveira

Founder,

Upside Down Yoga Kids

You're receiving this newsletter because you care about the well-being of children in Marin County. Know a school, community center, or business that would love to partner with us? #afterschoolprogram #yogakids #wellnesskids #arts #stressreduction