Chumbala: A Halloween Yoga Storytelling Adventure

 

As the nights grow longer and the veil between seasons thins, Halloween invites us to pause and listen to the whispers of story and spirit. For children, this season often shines with playful costumes and sweet treats—but behind it lies something deeper: the magic of imagination, courage, and connection.

It’s that time of year again where I share the Latin-American folktale, Chumbala, at the Boys and Girls Club with kindergarten through second graders. Through story and yoga, we explore how light and shadow dance together, how breath can calm fear, and how the body can be a safe, strong home even when the world feels mysterious.

Each posture flows with the story—stretching tall like a spooky tree, folding forward and touching the floor, and breathing deep while reaching toward heaven. Together, we discover how yoga teaches us that every season, even the spooky ones, carries lessons of balance, trust, and joy.

Chumbala aka The Skeleton’s Ball is a lively folk-tale-in-song, where the skeletons gather as the clock strikes each number. It is so much fun!

With every chime, we move into a posture—matching each number to a yoga pose that rhymes with it. The nonsense chorus, Chumbala Ca, Chumbala Ca, Chum bum ba, repeats until the skeletons have danced their way through the hours.

This blend of rhyme, rhythm, and repetition offers children a way to celebrate Halloween in a way that is fun, mindful, and a little bit magical. Through story, song, and yoga, we discover how laughter and imagination can chase away fear, and how movement helps us feel grounded and free.

As the skeletons finish their dance and the clock rests at twelve, we are reminded of the passage of time and the way all things move in circles—day to night, seed to flower, beginning to end. Halloween helps us notice these changes with curiosity instead of fear.

Just like the seasons, our lives are always moving and transforming. By sharing story, song, and yoga, children learn that every moment is special, every breath is a gift, and that even endings are simply the start of something new. 

Happy Halloween!

xoxo

Kathe and Mel

p.s. If you'd like a copy of the story/song, contact us at movingtale@gmail.com

Back to School: New Beginnings

A new school year is like opening a fresh notebook — the pages are clean, the pencils are sharp, and anything can happen!

In yoga, we have a Sanskrit word for this feeling, sukumara which means beginner’s mind. Someone with a beginner’s mind looks at the world with curiosity, excitement, and an open heart — similar to the way a child approaches a new experience.

We’re here to help you encourage your little ones. When we roll out our yoga mats, each pose is a little adventure, a new experience. We might wobble in Tree Pose, or feel our spine wake up in Cat Pose. School is the same way, reminding us, some days will be smooth and easy, and others might feel wobbly. That’s okay. Wobbles help us grow stronger inside and out!

Yoga also teaches us to pause and breathe. When kids feel nervous about meeting a new teacher or making new friends, they can take a deep breath in, let it out slowly, and remember — every inhale is a new beginning, and every exhale lets go of worry.

As we step into this school year, think of it as a yoga flow:

• Start with Mountain Pose — stand tall and believe in yourself.
• Balance in Tree Pose — even when life feels a little wobbly.
• Be flexible like Cat Pose — ready to adapt to changes.

Every day is a chance to learn, share kindness, and discover something new about ourselves. Just like on the yoga mat, we don’t have to be perfect — we just have to keep showing up.

Here’s to a school year full of strong bodies, calm minds, and joyful hearts. Please enjoy this short “New School Year” yoga storytelling adventure with your kiddos! 

New School Year

Bree woke up early for her very first day at a brand-new school. She took a deep breath, stretched wide, and felt ready for the day.
(Mountain Pose – stand tall, feet together, arms by sides, breathe deeply.)

She peeked out the window and saw the sun climbing over the hills.
(Sun Salutation Arms – sweep arms up high, looking toward the sky.)

On the way to school, she passed a beautiful tree full of chirping birds.
(Tree Pose – one foot on the other leg, arms reaching up like branches.)

A friendly cat strolled by and brushed against her legs.
(Cat Pose – on hands and knees, round the back gently.)

When Bree reached the schoolyard, she saw kids running and hopping. She joined them, feeling light and bouncy.
(Frog Pose – squat low, hands on the floor, little hops.)

In the classroom, she sat  ready to listen and learn.
(Easy Pose – sit cross-legged, hands resting on knees, soft smile.)

During recess, her new friends invited her to pretend they were airplanes flying around the playground.
(Airplane Pose – stand on one leg, arms out wide, lean forward.)

At the end of the day, Bree lay down and thought about all the new things she had learned.
(Resting Pose – lie on back, arms and legs relaxed, eyes closed.)

This month the eBook, Forever Friends, will be FREE Thursday, Friday, and Saturday - September 4, 5, and 6. If you don’t already have this one, here is your chance to grab it — the theme is kindness, honesty, and of course, friendship! Perfect for Back to School. 

> Forever Friends

Teachers and homeschool parents check out the FREE toolkit and printables to enhance the adventure!

> Freebies

XOXO, 

Kathe and Mel

Breathe In, Breathe Out: Four Simple and Fun Pranayama Techniques for Kids

Breathing is one of the most powerful tools we have — and it's with us all the time. In yoga, the breath is known as the bridge between our mind and body, helping us feel more centered, calm, and connected. We call these breathing practices pranayama, a Sanskrit word where prana means “life force” or “breath” and yama means “control” or “expansion.” So, pranayama is all about learning to guide and expand our breath — and in turn, our energy.

By practicing pranayama regularly, we can strengthen our lungs, bring more oxygen into the body, and even shift our emotions. Some techniques help us feel calm and grounded, while others can boost our energy. And the best part? These powerful tools aren’t just for grownups — they’re amazing for kids too!

While formal pranayama (yogic breathing) practices often begin around ages 7 to 8, that doesn’t mean our littlest yogis have to miss out! Even younger children can benefit from playful, age-appropriate breathing techniques that help them feel calm, focused, and connected to their bodies. In this post, we’ll explore fun and simple pranayama activities designed especially for kids — perfect for home, school, or your next yoga class. Let’s breathe, play, and grow together! 

Mountain Breath

Hold out one hand and spread the fingers wide. The pointer finger of your other hand will be the tracer. Start at the base of your thumb, inhale and trace up the side of your thumb. Then exhale and trace down the other side. Continue going up and down the mountain, breathing in on the way up and breathing out on the way down. Go all the way across the hand — and back again for a set of 10 breaths. (Mountains are steady, stable, and secure.)

Smell the Flower

Make a lotus flower by placing your hands together. Keep the heels of the hands, the thumbs, and pinky fingers touching while spreading out the other fingers like a blooming flower. Close your eyes and imagine a color. Inhale and imagine a sweet smell, pause and then exhale slowly with a soft, ahhhh. Repeat 5 to 10 times. (A lovely blend of imagination and mindfulness.)

Infinity Breath

Draw or print out an infinity symbol (a sideways 8). Start at the center and trace the shape with your finger, inhale as you trace one loop, and exhale along the other. Returning to the center, repeat 8 times. (Reminds us the breath is ever flowing. Try different textures like sandpaper to make the experience more sensory.)

Mindful Mantra

Gently close your eyes, and take a slow deep breath in. As you inhale, say to yourself, “I am calm.” As you exhale, say to yourself, “I relax, and let go.” Repeat several times. (Mantras are a simple way to settle the mind and create inner peace.)

Breath is a powerful gift — simple, free, and always accessible. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or just someone who loves to share mindful moments, pranayama is a beautiful way to help kids (and yourself!) tap into a sense of calm and clarity. Try these playful techniques and see the magic of mindful breathing unfold.

In our book, Peace and Quiet, we have included three simple breathing exercises to use as a means of self-empowerment, kids of all ages will discover a simple way to stay calm, focused, and alert. Check it out here > https://www.ayogastorytellingadventure.com/books

Happy breathing!