Yoga postures for children are essential for stimulating physical development, mental and emotional from an early age.
In this article we will explain what their role is within theWave of Educational Yoga and what are the benefits they provide.
But not only that!
You will also be able to find a lot of practical examples, divided into the various age groups!
Table of Contents
Yoga postures for children in Educational Yoga
The Educational Yoga represents aninnovative teaching methodology that integrates traditional yogic practices with the most modern scientific discoveries.
The goal is to renew classical educational paths, promoting a growth more harmonious and complete in children and adolescents (discover the principles of Educational Yoga!).
In this context, yoga postures (asana) for children play a very important role!
In fact, they have been skillfully placed within theWave of Educational Yoga, which is based on the principle Maximum tension and maximum relaxation.
The particularity of our method is that does not focus on the precision of realization, but on the benefits brought by the specific positions. For this reason, children are introduced to asanas In a progressive and playful way: the educator puts himself at peer of the child and shows him directly how to do it.
In fact, the children’s yoga positions in Educational Yoga are designed to be accessible and fun, so as to encourage children to explore movement in a creative and noncompetitive way.
The 6 basic movements
In the practice of Oki Do Yoga, the philosophy on which the principles of Educational Yoga are based, it is recommended to practice daily 3 complementary movements of the spine.
For the spine to be healthy e flexible, these movements are to be performed daily. It is advisable to practice them every morning after waking up, because a healthy back affects the entire welfare, both physical and mental.
Here are what are the 6 basic movements:
- right and left torsion: is performed by twisting the trunk to the right and left, slowly and keeping the spine vertical and the hips stable;
- right and left extension: is performed by tilting the body sideways to the right and left, starting from the standing position and performing the movements slowly;
- forward and backward stretching: the backward stretch is performed by standing on the knees, slowly drawing back the trunk, with the hands going to the feet, lifting the chest upward and gently bending the back; the forward stretch is performed by starting standing, slowly bending forward and bringing the palms toward the floor, trying to keep the legs as straight as possible.
As in children’s yoga postures, what is important is the repetition: it is necessary to repeat the practice not mechanically, but by making it experience. In this way, you will be able to understand it, feel her, feel her e make it yours.
The benefits of yoga exercises for children
Incorporating yoga exercises into children’s routines can be incredibly beneficial!
These, in fact, not only improve their flexibility and physical strength, but also contribute to the development of balance and coordination. Through yoga exercises, children become more aware of their bodies and learn to control their breathing, skills that can be of great help in managing stress and anxiety.
But that’s not all: the asanas offered in the Wave of Educational Yoga allow the development of numerous life skills!
For example, they enable children to sharpen their critical sense, learning to evaluate situations and their own reactions with greater awareness.
The goal of the practice is to guide them toward a deep self-knowledge, so that they learn to recognize and accept their own emotions and states of mind.
At the same time, they will also improve their interpersonal skills: children learn to connect with themselves and others in a noncompetitive space that promotes empathy, respect and acceptance.
In short, yoga postures for children can have a lasting impact on the overall well-being of young children, offering them tools to navigate life’s challenges with greater balance e harmony.
Examples of yoga postures for children
The world of yoga for children is full of fun and challenging postures, inspired by nature and the animals. They are ideal for introducing young children to this practice in way playful e engaging!
Here are some examples:
- upside down dog position: simulates the position of a dog stretching. It is excellent for thoroughly stretching the spine, energizing the body, and calming the mind;
- CAT POSITION: on the knees, with the palms touching the floor, through the movement of the back this position helps to improve the flexibility of the spine;
- butterfly position: seated, bring the soles of the feet together with the knees open to the sides. You can gently flutter the knees like a butterfly’s wings, useful for opening the hips;
- shaft position: standing, lift one foot and place it on the inside of the opposite thigh, maintaining balance and bringing the hands together in prayer position in front of the heart. This position improves balance and concentration;
- cobra position: lying on the stomach, place the hands on the floor under the shoulders and lift the torso, gently arching the back upward. This position strengthens the spine and opens the chest;
- warrior stance: standing, take a large step back with one foot, bending the front knee at 90 degrees and keeping the other leg extended. The arms extend parallel to the floor, with the gaze directed beyond the front hand. It promotes stability and strength in the legs, as well as improving concentration.
As already anticipated, these postures not only make yoga accessible and fun for young children, but they also they also promote their physical and mental well-being!
Yoga exercises for children offered by Yoga Educativo
Yoga exercises for children offered by Yoga Educativo are inspired by the book The Little Yogi and enriched by the use of the Cards of Light.
It is a tool effective, funny e stimulant, which helps children to Explore the important values of life, such as the cooperation, the thinking positive and the kindness.
The book facilitates children’s introduction to theAnanda Yoga, a yoga based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda. The latter promotes a path toward serenity inner, making learning yoga a meaningful and profound experience.
To learn more about various types of yoga, read What is Oki Do Yoga?
Let’s now look at the children’s yoga exercises suggested for different age groups!
Yoga exercises for children 3 to 5 years old
Of course, yoga postures for children aged 3 to 5 years old must be simple e intuitive.
It is essential to communicate through a language that is clear and suitable for young children, turning practice into a game fun e engaging.
The positions chosen should stimulate their imagination, while promoting the development physical e mental in a joyful environment e free of pressure.
Here are some examples!
The magician
In this game, a child is elected magician and, with the help of a card shown by the host, announces a yoga pose that “transforms” his or her classmates, visiting them one by one with a magic wand and a bell.
Eventually, the magician chooses his successor, who will be introduced as the new magician by the host, thus continuing the game.
The master
A child, in the role of little yoga master, will guide the companions by demonstrating a position chosen from a deck of cards. After the execution, the little teacher will name their successor.
The riddle
One participant chooses a card and assumes the corresponding position. The first one to correctly recognize and name the position becomes the next to perform.
Here is a variation of the guessing game: the teacher or a selected child reveals a Light Card and provides verbal clues. The children can ask questions to guess the card, and whoever manages to represent it through a yoga position, without naming it, wins.
Subsequently, everyone together performs the position, pronouncing its name and the related affirmation. The winner then has the task of choosing the next card.
The animal train
The children proceed in a line, singing, forming a toy train. At a stop at a station, the conductor names an animal that must get off; the children represent that animal with a yoga position.
Finally, at the conductor’s command, the little train departs toward a new station and another child takes the lead. The teacher can use a Light Card to suggest the next animal.
Yoga poses for children ages 6 and up
For children from 6 years and older, yoga postures can be more complex and challenging, while maintaining a playful and engaging approach.
It is important to continue to use age-appropriate language to guide young children through practices that stimulate their imagination and encourage them in the development of new physical and mental skills.
Here are some examples!
Mountain... river!
Forming a circle, each child receives a Light Card on their mat. After observing the card, when music starts, each one mimics the position indicated.
In command “Mountain”, everyone must stop and make the position of the mountain, while at the command “River”, children have to move to the next mat, so as to discover and represent a new card.
This flow of movement and discovery continues until everyone has explored each position.
Let's invent together
Sitting in a circle, the children create a collective story with the help of the Light Cards. Each child, receiving a card, adds a piece to the narrative following the thread of the story already begun. This process continues, enriching the plot with the new characters or elements introduced by the subsequent cards.
Memory
The teacher prepares the game using two decks of Light Cards, selecting a few pairs of positions and arranging them covered on the floor.
The children, taking turns, reveal two cards trying to form a pair. Whoever finds a pair performs the corresponding position and removes the cards from the game.
If the pair is not found, the cards are covered again. The game continues until all pairs have been found. The one who discovers the most pairs wins.
Whenever a couple is formed, they all practice the position together!
Yoga exercises for boys and girls
For older children, the yoga postures offered in the Educational Yoga pathway are designed to support their physical, mental and emotional development, offering spaces for personal exploration and self-awareness in a safe and positive context.
Positions are selected to be stimulating and accessible, so as to encourage young people to overcome the constant challenges presented to them by growth.
For more, take a look at Yoga for teens and young adults!
Here are some examples!
Affirmation.
One participant reads aloud the affirmation contained in a Light Card, hiding the image from the other players. The latter must then attempt to Guess which yoga posture is associated with that statement., representing it.
The inner journey
After representing a position from a Light Chart chosen by the teacher, the children share their own interpretations about what the card evokes: the inner qualities suggested, the memories or experiences it awakens.
This becomes a valuable moment of collective reflection on the emotions and feelings experienced.
Today I feel...
The teacher questions each pupil about his or her state of mind, accepting only positive answers such as “calm,” “serene,” “joyful,” etc. Depending on the feeling expressed, together they choose a yoga posture that best represents that quality, and then assume it all.
Bottom line.
Now you know all the secrets of yoga positions for children!
If you aspire to become a teacher of yoga for children with a recognized professional qualification, the Educational Yoga course is perfect for you!
Our pathway will provide you with comprehensive training in line with international educational standards and enable you to obtain a valid professional qualification.
Being recognized by MIUR, this course ensures that your training is based on sound pedagogical principles and enables you to bring yoga to school, improving the lives of your students!
Find out how to become a children’s yoga teacher!
Contact us, we will be happy to help you!
Are you interested in implementing an Educational Yoga project in your school or in your area?
Please do not hesitate to contact us to receive further information and discover how we can contribute to the well-being and development of your children and young people.
Send an email to the National Projects Coordinator [email protected]
or fill out the form to be contacted.
Do you want to become an Educational Yoga Instructor?
Contact us now to receive more information about our courses and get advance news about our initiatives!
Get to know the authors!
A certified instructor of Oki do Yoga, with a master’s degree in “Yoga Studies” from the University of Venice, she is an adjunct lecturer of the advanced training course “Educational Yoga at School” at the University of Padua.
Co-Founder and President of Ssd “Educational Yoga.”
Holding a Ph.D. in Pedagogical, Educational and Training Sciences from the University of Padua. The doctoral thesis focused on the training of trainers in Educational Yoga.
Docent of the advanced training course “Yoga Educativo a scuola.” the Advanced Training Course at UniPd was conceived by the founders of Yoga Educativo, together with Director Prof. Luca Agostinetto.
Co-founder and vice president of Ssd “Educational Yoga.”
