A Classroom Activity Designed by:Alicia Crowl & Amy BullermanStudent Physical Therapists

Toddler Yoga

YogaBenefits DirectionsImproves strength, balance,

coordination, and social skills

Promotes concentration and focus

Encourages kids to follow directions

Early research has shown that daily yoga in the classroom may reduce kids’ aggressive behavior, social withdrawal, and hyperactivity.

Perform each pose 3-5 times each

Hold each pose 5-10 seconds each

ButterflySit on the floor and

place the soles of your feet together

Reach forward while wiggling your fingers like butterfly wings

Then reach to each side with butterfly fingers

CatGet down on all 4’s

like a kitty catArch your back and

bring your head between your arms

Then bring your belly towards the floor and your head up until you feel a good stretch

Make it more fun by making cat sounds “Meow”

Child’s PoseStarting position is

on all 4’sNext lean back

onto your feet and keep your arms above your head

CobraFirst lay completely

on your stomachNext keeping your

legs on the floor, use your arms to push up and raise your head up tall like a cobra/snake

Make hissing sounds to make it more fun

Downward DogThis pose

resembles that of an upside down letter V

Stand with feet apart

Then place hands on floor also keeping knees, back, and arms straight

Sunrise/SunsetStand up tallBring your arms

out to the side and then above your head making a big circle like the sun

Then gently lowerLift your arms

above your head

Wave the WheatStand up tall with

feet apartNow place your

right hand on your hip and reach the left arm overhead

Reach towards the right side to get a good stretch

Repeat on the other side

AirplaneStand up straight and

tallReach your arms out to

the sides at shoulder height

Lean forward and lift one foot up off the ground

Stretch your arms to the sides and try to maintain your balance

Now try Airplane pose on the other side

GorillaStand up tall with

your legs wide apartBend forward at the

waist, bending your knees a little bit

Let your arms hang down in front of you and swing your upper body back and forth like a gorilla

TreeStand up tallLift your right leg and

place it on you left leg, above the knee (or below the knee if that's more comfortable)

Now stretch your arms up like branches

Then try the Tree pose on the other side

VolcanoStart by rubbing your

hands together like lava bubbling before the volcano erupts

Get into a squatting position (while still rubbing hands together)

Count to three outloudThen stand up fast and

raise arms overhead like a volvano erupting

Make an exploding sound as the volcano erupts