Yoga for Young Children
To develop flexibility, balance, body awareness, and calm through simple yoga poses.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Physical Development
- Learning area: Physical Development
- Level: EYFS 3-4
Objectives
- Holds simple yoga poses
- Shows developing balance
- Demonstrates body awareness
- Participates in relaxation
Materials
- Yoga mats or soft floor
- Yoga pose cards with images
- Calm background music
- Comfortable clothing
Instructions
USING ANIMAL NAMES: 'Stand tall like a tree — stretch your branches up!' 'Arch your back like a cat — meow!' Animal names make poses memorable and fun.
DEMONSTRATING CLEARLY: Face children and mirror-image the poses. Hold each pose for 5-10 seconds at this age — short enough to maintain.
CONNECTING TO BREATHING: 'Breathe in as you reach up high... breathe out as you fold down like a rag doll.' Simple breathing awareness complements the physical practice.
ENDING WITH RELAXATION: Finish with 'sleeping pose' (lying still). Play soft music. 'Close your eyes and be very still.' Even 30 seconds of stillness is valuable.