Hasn’t it been lovely to see the trees fully leaf out, colorful flowers in bloom, and little critters busy doing their thing? My family and I really enjoy watching the changes that take place in nature during this time of year and that is precisely what has inspired the Yoga sequence for this month.
I hear the excitement in my children’s voices when they spot a butterfly for the first time in the season…
Listen as they give the latest inchworm count…
And marvel with them at the unique beauty of each flower.
I hope your children will enjoy acting out these favorite spring-time sightings as much as my children do. Perhaps they can come up with their own spring-inspired sequence. What do you and your children appreciate about this time of year? Can they create some of their own poses or movements to represent those things? Perhaps they’ll grab some silk scarves and whirl around like dandelion fuzzies or hop around like a toad. I’d love to hear about it…
Springing to Life Yoga sequence download: page 1 page 2
Monique is with is today to complement her Yoga series with her favorite Yoga inspired children’s books…
As you have seen from my past Yoga posts, most of my inspiration for creating Yoga sequences for children comes from books. I love bringing the stories to life in such a creative, active way. This month, I thought I would share with you some books that have Yoga poses built right in. They are perfect for introducing Yoga to children and for when you’d like to have your child practice some Yoga but aren’t sure where to begin.
You and your children will have fun as you read them together and stop to try each pose. The poses are so well-illustrated that children can also look at the books independently and be able to try each one on their own. You might like to keep a few of these books handy for those times that call for refocusing a little one’s energy…
My Daddy is a Pretzel by Baron Baptiste – Introduces Yoga poses by relating them to familiar professions and activities
You Are a Lion by Taeeun Yoo – Children learn Yoga poses by pretending to be different animals
The Happiest Tree by Uma Krishnaswami – A young girl gains confidence and a better understanding of her body through the practice of Yoga and is able to remain calm as she takes on a new challenge
Stretch by Doreen Cronin – This book is not really about Yoga but is a fun one to read to encourage little ones to stretch and move
Like a Fish in Water by Isabelle Koch – Although more instructional, it contains lovely photos and easy to understand directions.
Monique is here today with another inspiring addition to her Yoga for Kids series. This month we move our minds and our bodies to empowering visualizations of planting and caring for a garden.
This month, I have gardening on my mind. It’s early yet to get the gardens ready in this neck of the woods but not too early to start some seeds and never too early to imagine!
Enjoy this gardening Yoga sequence with the children in your life as you talk about and imagine working the land, preparing your gardens, and watching them grow.
If you would like recommendations for children’s books to read before doing the sequence, give these a try:
In recognition of Stress Awareness Month, I wanted to offer a little extra. As Emma from 95 Acres of Sky reminded us last month in this post, even the children in our lives can experience stress. Yoga is a terrific tool for alleviating stress, no matter what your age. Guided imagery and visualization are other powerful tools.
Here is an example of a guided imagery that I learned years ago and my modified version to use with children:
Monique Barker is with us today sharing some great yoga poses that we can do with our children during this windy time of year. I love that Monique’s yoga series inspires us to tune into our bodies while at the same time honoring the changing seasons.
Hello. Welcome back to our monthly Yoga series! Given the weather we’ve been having lately here in the Northeast and looking at the busy March calendar, I’ve had the idiom “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb” on my mind. It struck me that this would be a good basis for a Yoga sequence but I just wasn’t sure how. Then I came across this lovely little book at our library and it all came together.
The book tells a story about the many moods of the wind and a child that wants “to play like the wind.” We see that the wind can be mischievous…
Blowing hats off
playful…
Making flags wave
helpful…
Sailing a boat
and strong.
The accompanying Yoga sequence incorporates many of the wind’s moods and abilities (which are a lot like children’s). It will bring your child from a gentle breeze to a strong, playful wind and back again. Even without the book, I know you’ll have fun acting out all the characteristics of the wind with your child. Just click the download to get started. I hope you enjoy!
Download: March Yoga: Like the Wind
Monique Barker is with us to share a lovely way celebrate Valentine’s Day—partner yoga. Don’t miss her informative printable of poses at the bottom of this post!
I am thrilled to be back to share some more Yoga for children with you. In keeping with this month’s Valentine theme, I thought a sequence of partner poses would be appropriate. Your child can pair up with a sibling, a friend, or you.
Before you begin, take the opportunity to talk with your child about the importance of showing kindness to others; about offering encouragement and support; about how we are all connected and that each of our actions impact others.
Perhaps you would like to start by reading one of your favorite books that touches on these subjects.
Through these poses, children will get to practice observation skills and cooperation. They should feel a connection with their partner and share their positive energy. Most importantly, they should have fun!
To get started, download the poses and instructions:
