Yoga for Children: Nurturing Healthy Bodies and Minds through Early Learning

Picture a room full of excited toddlers stretching like trees swaying in the wind, preschoolers practicing their balance while pretending to be flamingos, and children learning to find calm through playful breathing exercises. This is the magic of children’s yoga – a practice that offers remarkable benefits extending far beyond physical exercise. At Choklits, under the gentle guidance of Tanaya, our Mindful Movement Guide, we witness these transformative moments daily as children explore the world of yoga through movement, mindfulness, and imagination.

The Power of Yoga in Early Childhood

When it comes to supporting children’s development, yoga provides essential tools for growth and learning. The benefits are both immediate and long-lasting:

• Enhanced physical coordination and body awareness
• Improved concentration and focus
• Better emotional regulation skills
• Stronger social connections
• Increased self-confidence and self-awareness

Adapting Yoga for Young Children

At Choklits, we believe in nurturing every aspect of a child’s development. Led by Tanaya, our yoga program is thoughtfully designed to support children at different developmental stages.

Toddler Yoga (2-3 years)

Our youngest yogis benefit from:

• Simple poses and gentle stretching
• Basic coordination exercises
• Imaginative movement games
• Playful introduction to breath awareness

Preschool Yoga (3-5 years)

As children progress, they engage in:

• More structured yoga flows
• Challenging balance exercises
• Focused breathing techniques
• Guided relaxation practices

Beyond the Mat: Educational Outcomes

Our yoga program isn’t just about physical movement – it’s a comprehensive approach that aligns perfectly with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). Through carefully planned sessions, we support multiple learning outcomes essential for early childhood development:

Building Strong Identities

As children master new poses and achieve personal milestones, they develop a stronger sense of self and growing confidence. Whether it’s finally balancing in tree pose or remembering a complete breathing sequence, each achievement contributes to their developing self-identity.

Connecting with Others

Yoga is inherently a shared experience. Group activities foster collaboration and social skills, helping children connect with their peers and educators. Through these interactions, children learn to respect personal space, practice patience, and develop empathy.

Promoting Physical and Emotional Wellbeing

The physical benefits of yoga are clear – improved strength, flexibility, and coordination. However, the practice goes deeper, teaching children valuable self-regulation skills through breathing exercises and mindfulness activities that they can use throughout their day.

A Day in Our Yoga Journey with Tanaya

Each yoga session at Choklits is an adventure waiting to unfold. We begin in our welcoming circle, where children gather to prepare their bodies and minds through gentle stretching and breathing exercises. The main portion of our session might transport children to a jungle, ocean, or outer space through imaginative poses and movements. We might be stretching like giraffes one moment and floating like jellyfish the next, all while developing physical skills and body awareness.

Yoga Activities for Home Practice

Parents often ask how they can continue the yoga journey at home. Here are some simple, family-friendly activities to try:

• “Balloon Breathing”: Take deep breaths and pretend to blow up an imaginary balloon, helping children understand breath control
• “Tree Pose”: Stand tall like a strong tree to develop balance and concentration
• “Butterfly Pose”: Sit with the soles of feet together, gently fluttering knees like wings
• “Mindfulness Jar”: Create a calming tool using a jar filled with water and glitter for quiet observation

The Real Impact of Children’s Yoga

The benefits of yoga extend far beyond the session itself. At Choklits, our educators have observed:

• Children independently using breathing techniques during challenging moments
• Improved focus during other learning activities
• Better emotional regulation in various situations
• Enhanced social interactions with peers

Parents regularly share stories of their children demonstrating poses at home and using their “yoga breathing” when feeling overwhelmed. One particularly touching success story involves children using the “breathing in a flower and blowing out a candle” technique during moments of stress, demonstrating how these skills become valuable tools for emotional regulation.

Supporting Children’s Yoga Development

For parents interested in supporting their child’s yoga journey, consider:

• Creating a dedicated quiet space for movement and relaxation
• Making yoga a fun, family activity
• Using simple props like stuffed animals or scarves
• Incorporating yoga into daily routines
• Celebrating progress and effort rather than perfect poses

Join Our Mindful Movement Journey!

Want to see Tanaya and our yoga program in action? Book a tour to visit our center and watch how we integrate movement and mindfulness into our daily activities. Follow us on social media for regular updates and more ideas you can try at home.

Looking to learn more about how yoga can benefit your child’s development and our holistic approach to early childhood education? Contact Choklits Child Care to discover how we make every day special for our children.

Composed by Choklits Owner Matt Reynolds