Last Wednesday morning, ten three-year-olds and I went on a trip. We packed our bags, took an airplane ride, went swimming on the beach, and went dancing in New York City, all without leaving their colorfully decorated classroom in Northwest DC.
Partial class plan for Planes, Trains and other Mobiles:
pack our bags
- wash our clothes: seated twist to rhythm
- dry our clothes: arm movement to rhythm
- hang them on the clothes line: side stretch
- iron the fancy stuff: leg stretch
- fold the shirts and pants: toes to nose
- put everything in the suitcase: forward bend
pack the car: in-out breathing
drive to the airport: red light-green light x2 or x3
check our bags at the airport: ring around the yogi
airplane ride: play The Airplane Song: jump, spin, gallop, dance (Laurie Berkner)
visit the beach
- make a sand castle: wide angle forward bend & variations
- swiming with ocean animal poses
- read book: sing These Are My Glasses (Berkner)
- take a bicycle ride
train ride home
relaxation
Sure yoga teaches patience and mindfulness and is a physical exercise that’s good for kids, but it’s also wildly fun.
Learn more about Early Childhood Yoga:
- 6 Reasons to Take Yoga with Your Toddler or Preschooler
- What is Preschool Yoga Class like?
- Benefits of Bubbles – A Toddler and Kids Yoga Class Favorite
- Again, Again!! The Importance of Ritual & Routine in Early Childhood
- Singing in Kids Yoga – Fun and Beneficial
- Savasana in Early Childhood Yoga Classes: A Parent’s Guide
- Preschooler Family Yoga – Fun and Fitness – FAQ
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Photo credit: Preschooler demonstrates tree pose photo by Flickr user naturalmom / CC BY 2.0