Because there is no better way to learn than through imaginative play!
Our Kids Yoga Stories enhance children’s natural curiosity about the world, encourage their innate creativity, and engage them in mindful movement. Improving the health and well-being of children is our mission and why we started writing books in the first place!
Here is a simple story and
yoga sequence using a multi-sensory approach for some summertime fun!
Yoga is
an ideal exercise for parents and children to practice together. It gets energy
moving when the body is slow and slows down energy when the body is
overactive.
No
special equipment is needed. Comfy clothes, bare feet, a non-slip surface and
space to move is all that’s required. Yoga mats are nice but not necessary.
Practice this summer sequence outside on a big beach towel.
Practicing
with your child helps them develop healthy habits for overall well-being;
physical, mental, and emotional health. Don’t worry about kids getting the pose
perfect. The most important thing is to get them to listen to their body, move
slowly, and become aware of the breath.
Hold
each pose for a breath or two as you breathe in and out slowly.
Use your
senses and imagination and let’s go to the beach on A Yoga Storytelling
Adventure!
1. The
summer sun - Mountain pose
Imagine
the summer sun shining brightly as it warms your skin, and feel your toes sink
into the soft sand.
Stand
tall with feet hip distance apart, head lifted high to the sky.
Benefit
– improves posture, stability, and body awareness.
2.
Surfer - Warrior II
You see
a surfer out on the waves. His arms are spread wide and he looks strong and
courageous.
From
Mountain pose step back with the right foot. Turn the foot out and the torso to
the side. Inhale and lift the arms to shoulder height, exhale and bend the left
knee as you look out over the left fingertips. Release and step back into
Mountain pose before repeating Warrior II on the opposite side.
Benefits
– strengthens the legs and opens the chest.
3.
Dolphins -Dolphin pose
You hear
laughter and notice dolphins as they play in the blue green water.
From
Mountain pose come down to hands and knees, hands under shoulders and knees
under hips. Bring the forearms to the ground with the elbows under the shoulders.
Tuck the toes and straighten the legs. Gaze at your toes.
Benefits
– strengthens the arms and stretches the back of the legs.
4.
Swimming - Locust pose
You
reach out and taste the salty sea, then dive in for a swim.
From
Dolphin pose slowly come down to lying on the belly. Stretch the arms out
behind you, palms facing up. Inhale and lift the head, chest, arms, and legs,
reach out through your fingers and toes. Exhale and relax. Repeat the pose.
Benefits
– strengthens the back of the body.
5.
Sandcastle - Downward facing dog pose
Now it’s
time to build a sandcastle, with buckets and shovels you create a
fortress.
Return
to hands and knees. Curl the toes and lift the hips up, gaze at the toes.
Benefits
– strengthens the arms and legs, stretches the spine.
6. Sand
Crabs - Upward facing table pose
Sand
crabs scurry by and you scoot after them.
Sit with
feet flat and knees bent. Place the hands behind you, fingers pointing towards
the body. Inhale and lift the hips. Look up at the sky and scoot forward and
back like a crab.
Benefits
– strengthens arms, legs, and the core body.
7.
Sailboats - Boat pose
Colorful
boats with white sails skim across the ocean.
From
Upward facing table pose release the hips to the ground. Sit tall and reach the
arms out in front of you. Lift the feet off the ground and maybe even
straighten the legs.
Benefits
– builds core strength.
8.
Starfish -Star pose
A
starfish washes onto the beach as the sun begins to set, and you gently toss it
back into the water. Breathing in and out slowly, you say - goodbye beach, see
you next time!
Come
back to Mountain pose. Step the feet out wide and turn the toes out. Inhale as
you lift the arms out to shoulder height, reaching out with the fingertips.
Exhale and press down through the feet. Twinkle like a star!
Summer
blessings,
Kathe
