Yoga Poses For Preschoolers:
Yoga means union. The union of all the practices of knowledge, meditation and physical well-being. Yoga is a thousand-year-old discipline, yet extremely modern. Oftentimes, recognized as one of the most complete for the health of the body, mind and to develop self-awareness. Today we discuss yoga poses for preschoolers, specifically.
The benefits of the yogic practice are no longer a mystery. Yoga aimed at preschoolers certainly serves a purpose. We can harness the power of yoga for not just physical, but mental and emotional development. Simultaneously, helping build a strong foundation of self-awareness.
In addition, yoga has the ability to promote a more responsible relationship in connection with others and with the environment through the transmission of universal values. This includes; peace, non-violence, respect for nature and others.
Physiological and Psychological Benefits of Yoga For Preschoolers:
Yoga for Pre-k helps in a continuation keep the body growing strong. Furthermore, helping develop and maintain a strong, flexible spine. In fact, through the harmonic extension of the movements, even in youth, helps to keep muscles, tendons and ligaments fine tuned.
Specific breathing exercises have shown enormous benefits for both the body and mind. Breathing can set a tone throughout the day. Even for preschoolers it can help in emotion management, and reducing anxiety. By teaching slow breathing, children in a few months are able to practice it spontaneously.
At it’s most basic level, deep breathing helps better oxygenate the body. Moreover, helping nourish vital organs of the body, including the brain. In addition can help fight inflammation, that can lead to disease, according to a post published at Children’s Hospital Of Philadelphia.
Yoga for Pre-k is also suitable for problems related to emotionality, insomnia, stomach ache, psychosomatic disorders, even energy levels. Through relaxation techniques in terms of dreams and visualization of positive images, children are able to re-balance themselves physically and mentally.
With the yogic practice, children learn to relax the body and the mind. To appreciate the slowness and the pauses, listening to his/her inner world and to accept it.
When to start yoga for preschoolers?
Oftentimes, this depends on the child. The environment that has surrounded them. Around the age of three or four can be appropriate. If the child tends to be hyperactive, it may be wise to slowly transition them into the process or seek further advice.
Some children are simply just not ready, and need to be gradually inserted into this group. Rather then simply repress there emotions, these children’s energy and activity need to be well channeled, which is beyond the efforts of this one post.
Yoga for Pre-k mainly takes the form of a game and an opportunity for activity, in which they learn to perceive themselves, to control themselves, and to let go of tension(s).
Yoga Poses For Preschoolers:
There are so many positions (or asanas). However, here are some favorites. Some very simple, while others slightly more complicated to do when your children are better trained.
Remember, yoga for children is different from yoga for adults. For the little ones it must be a game, a moment of leisure, to promote relaxation and self-discovery.
Cobra Pose:
Steps:
- Beginning on the belly.
- Toes pointed towards the back and shoulders underneath the hands.
- Keep the elbows tight toward the body.
- Then, inhale and lift the chest off the mat.
- Extend your arms, engaging the core and the lower back muscles to lift.
- Gaze can be upward or towards the front of your position.
Bow Pose:
Steps:
- Begin on your belly.
- Grab your ankles by bending your knees.
- Then, slowly lift off the ground keeping your feet away from your head.
This position stimulates the abdominal organs and reduces stress.
Down-Dog Pose:
Steps:
- Begin on all fours. Curl your toes under. Fingers spread wide-out in front to the top of the mat, resting on your forearms.
- Then, begin to bring the forearms off the mat, then the knees, while lifting the hips/buttocks toward the ceiling. Engage the core.
- Once up, spread the palms further, pedaling the feet to stretch the calves slightly.
- Rotate the shoulders away from the body.
- Relax the head and neck, bringing the heart towards the thighs.
Tree Pose:
Steps:
- Begin standing on the mat, feet together.
- Lift one leg slightly at the knee and experience balance.
- Place the leg lifted towards the inner thigh of the stabilizing leg. Rest the sole of the foot on that thigh.
- Then, bring your hands together in a prayer position.
Triangle Pose:
Also known as Trikonasana, it resembles the shape of large, golden pyramids.
Steps:
- Step the feet wide and raise the arms parallel to the floor. Wrists over ankles.
- Rotate the palms up toward the ceiling.
- Take a few deep breaths.
- Turn the right toes out 90 degrees toward the front of the mat. Left hip/toes turn in slightly.
- Inhale, reach forward, sending the buttock toward the back of the mat.
- Slowly descend and reach the right hand downward toward the shin.
Cow pose:
Steps:
- Begin on all fours.
- Shoulders over wrists, hips over knees. Then, draw the shoulders away from the ears.
- Inhale while tilting the pelvis downward, navel toward the floor. Simultaneously, lifting the chest-up.
Seated Forward Fold
Steps:
- Sit with the legs extended forward.
- Then, sit starlight-up or slightly forward with a pelvic tilt.
- Engage the core, lengthen the lower back as we reach toward the toes.
Final Thoughts!
Yoga is a fantastic practice to begin in early childhood. The importance of keeping things fun cannot be said enough. For example, using yoga as sort of a game works best at this age. You may be surprised as to which kids have actually tried it before. You may be surprised how much fun and engaged they become in the practice.
References:
- https://www.parentcircle.com/simple-breathing-exercises-pranayama-for-kids/article
- https://www.chop.edu/news/health-tip/power-yoga-breathing-children