yoga for kids

Today’s play-of-the-day is some fall yoga for kids. No matter the season, kids absolutely need to move, not only for bodies but for brains too.

Movement activities can include vigorous whole body ones like going to the playground, racing around in the yard, jumping on a mat in the living room, or running up and down the hallway. They can also be ones that help kids slow down, stretch, and balance. Yoga is super for this. These fall yoga for kids ideas help boost energy and relax.

This time of year, trees are losing their leaves. Little Sister loves to do the tree pose. To be a tree, stand with feet together. Next, balance on the left leg and lift up the right foot. Slide it up the straight leg and point the right knee out to the side. Balancing on one foot is pretty tricky for little ones and they may only get their foot up a little way. It’s okay if the tree is wobbly. Trees have high branches so slowly lift arms into the sky. Slowly lift the arms high over the head until hands touch so high the hands touch together.

Yoga also helps us tune in to the power of our breath. Because the weather is getting cooler and food is getting harder to find, many birds are flying south for the winter. The website, Kids Yoga Stories, has a flying bird breath suggestion. Start by standing with feet together and arms down by the sides.

“Imagine being a bird flying through the sky. On your next inhale, lift your arms over your head, touching your palms together. Then on an exhale, bring your arms back down to your sides, touching your palms to your outer thighs. Continue this flow for a few minutes: arms up as you inhale, arms down as you exhale.”

This is so energizing, it almost feels like we could fly. In the autumn, lots of garden vegetables and fruits rest on the ground. Pumpkins, acorns, and apples are some we might see. To be a pumpkin on the ground, kneel down on knees and sit back on your heels.

Kneel down and lower your body to sit back on your heels. Slowly bring forehead down to the floor in front of knees, arms beside legs. Some kids like to bend their elbows and have arms beside the chest. Take a few deep breaths. This is a restful pose when kids need to regroup. Stretch arms along the floor until your head is all the way down. Some kids like to rest with arms out in front, and some bring their arms back by their sides. This is usually called the child’s pose. Big Sister is doing this one.

Fall yoga for kids is another great way to move and have fun. Would you and your child like to try?