Moving with Yoga

 

Over the past few weeks at kindergarten I have been introducing the children to yoga. It has been very popular with many children giving it a go and having a wonderful time engaging in this energising, yet relaxing exercise.

 

Yoga is a wonderful type of exercise that allows children to develop many different skills. It is great for their physical development as well as their emotional well-being.

 Yoga involves many different skills and creates countless opportunities for children to develop deeper understandings about how their bodies work, how they move and how they can be active and have fun at the same time. When activities like this are enjoyed it helps instil positive attitudes towards keeping our bodies and minds healthy. 

 

Te Whariki acknowledges that children should experience an environment where their health is promoted. They should have opportunities to develop an understanding of their bodies and knowledge about of how to keep themselves healthy.

“I sometimes get so stuck when I do this rolling, rolly roll rolling! Its hard work for my body but I will try to do it” (Mia)

 

 

We have been doing ‘Cosmic Kids Yoga’ which I found on YouTube. This involves a lady, Jamie, telling great stories around different animal characters that capture children’s attention as they participate in this exercise (www.youtube.com/user/CosmicKidsYoga) 

“This yoga is so fun and funny. Look, look we are being such tall trees. No one can blow me over because I stand so strong.” (Nash)

 

The children have some favourite episodes including, ‘Twilight the Unicorn’ and ‘Joybob the Polar Bear”. The joy that they get from these yoga experiences is evident in their enthusiasm that they show throughout.

 

 

“Children derive enormous benefits from yoga. Physically, it enhances their flexibility, strength, coordination, and body awareness. In addition, their concentration and sense of calmness and relaxation improves. Doing yoga, children exercise, play, connect more deeply with the inner self, and develop an intimate relationship with the natural world that surrounds them. Yoga brings that marvellous inner light that all children have to the surface.” (Wenig)

 

Each of the cosmic yoga story video’s is about 15 minutes long and while some children come and go from the experience, lots of them stay for multiple episodes. When they are involved it is very noticeable how the children are concentrating really hard at holding poses and listening to the instructions carefully.

 

“Yoga is an ancient system of physical exercise, breathing techniques and meditation practices that aim to strengthen the body and calm the mind. Yoga can be a useful tool for both children and adults, and yoga for children may be especially helpful for developing focus, calmness and body awareness.” (Binamon)

“Haha when I bend over I can see you through my legs. I feel so stretchy.” (Kōrari)



 

Some of the children were revisiting their yoga fun when looking at some photos. This led to some pictures being drawn to help explain to others what the children’s favourite poses were.

“You know I do this yoga at my house. It’s on my computer. This is me doing yoga. My arms are up above my head and my legs are, well one is out and one is up like this.” (Charlie)



“My arms are up in the sky. I’m like a tree because I’m big and tall and strong. You can’t blow me down. I like doing yoga, it’s fun!” (Sharlotte)

I look forward to seeing our children getting involved in many more yoga experiences. It is great to see that they have such a wonderful attitude towards physical activity. I highly recommend giving this a go at home with your families or in your centres with your children.

 

Hei konā mai,
Zair