Hey there adventurers!
As
the temperature rises and the sun shines brighter, we thought it was time for a
wild journey. Get ready to explore the savannah, meet exotic animals and cool
down with a short but fun yoga story!
This
safari is perfect for kids looking to stretch, breathe, and have a roaring good
time. We’ll start with active and engaging poses and move into calming poses, and
remember, do asymmetrical poses on both sides.
Let’s fly away in a big jet plane. We are on our way to Africa where the air is warm, and the sky is painted in shades of blue and orange.
1. Airplane pose – Warrior III
Stand tall in
Mountain pose, stand on one leg and lift one leg behind you as your lift your
arms out front of you or in a big T like airplane wings, lean forward and
balance. (repeat on the opposite side)
It took a long time, but we made it! Stepping off the plane and onto the golden grasslands of the savannah, we hear the rustle of leaves and the calls of distant animals. Look! A graceful giraffe is munching on leaves high up in a tree.
2. Giraffe stretch – Standing Side Stretch
Stand tall with your feet hip-width
apart. Reach your arms up high, clasp your hands together, and gently sway side
to side like a giraffe stretching its neck to nibble on the highest leaves.
Feel the stretch in your sides and take in the view from up high.
The sun is getting hotter when we notice a refreshing waterhole. Elephants are splashing water and zebras are taking sips. It’s the perfect place for the animals to cool off!
3. Elephant pose – Wide Leg Forward Fold
Step your feet wide apart. Lift your arms overhead and interlace your fingers. Fold forward and let your arms dangle in front of you like an elephant's trunk. Take a deep breath in, swing your trunk up, and exhale as you swing it down. Imagine you're splashing cool water everywhere!
4. Zebra pose – Warrior I
From Wide Leg Forward Fold step the
feet together, then step one leg back. Inhale and lift the arms overhead,
exhale as you bend the front knee. Pause and breathe. Feel strong and steady
like a zebra standing tall and proud. (repeat on the opposite side)
As the sun sets, the sky turns a beautiful shade of pink and purple. A lion roars, will we meet the king of the jungle? Playful monkey’s chatter, are they saying good night?
5. Lion Pose
Get down on your knees, spread your fingers wide like lion's claws, take a deep breath, and let out a mighty ROAR! Feel the power and strength of the lion as you release all your worries.
6. Monkey pose -Hamstring stretch
Sit on the ground and stretch one leg
out in front of you and the other leg behind. The hands are alongside the front
leg. Gently fold over the front leg. Imagine you're a monkey leaping from tree
to tree. (repeat on the opposite side)
The animals start to settle down. It’s time to relax and unwind. A rhino rests nearby and so will we. It’s time for some gentle stretches and a peaceful end to our safari adventure.
7. Rhino pose – Child’s pose
Kneel on the ground, sit back on your
heels, and stretch your arms forward, lowering your forehead to the ground.
Breathe deeply and feel the warmth of the setting sun on your back. This pose
helps us relax and feel safe, just like the animals resting for the night.
8. Rest pose - Savasana
Lie down on your back with your arms
and legs spread out like a star. Close your eyes and take slow, deep breaths.
Imagine you’re looking up at the twinkling stars in the savannah night sky. Let
your body melt into the ground, feeling completely relaxed.
Remember, just like the animals of the
savannah, we are strong, graceful, playful, and peaceful. Keep practicing your
yoga, stay cool this summer, and always be ready for the next adventure!
Benefits
of Fast Yoga Poses with Kids
Kids often
have a lot of energy and a strong desire to move. Moving quickly through poses
helps keep them attentive and aware. They notice the movement of energy, the
rhythm, and the flow. Yoga sequences are often done with one pose per breath.
This fast-paced approach is a great way to get kids active, whether in a
classroom or at home in the morning. You can go through the sequence a couple
of times and really get the energy moving!
Benefits
of Slow Yoga Poses with Kids
Trying out
poses one at a time and staying in them for a breath or two is great for
building strength and flexibility. Yoga is good for building muscles, and this
is especially true when we practice poses slowly. Doing yoga at a slower pace
helps kids focus on their alignment, which can help keep them from hurting
themselves. Slowing down also naturally brings more focus to breath and
mindfulness. Kids can learn about body anatomy, proprioception (awareness of
their body in space), and body control when doing yoga poses one at a time.
Additionally, practicing yoga slowly teaches kids about patience and stamina.
Finding the
right balance between fast and slow yoga poses can help create a fun yet engaging and effective yoga practice for kids, keeping them active and mindful
throughout the summer.
Looking for more FREE resources?
Dive into our comprehensive 10-page RESOURCE GUIDE, packed with Creative Curriculum Ideas, thought provoking Concepts to Consider, and engaging Conversation Starters. Plus, explore our exclusive TOOLKITS tailored for each of our books – perfect for both homeschool and classroom settings.
Until next time,
XOXO
Kathe and Mel
