Yoga

At Crigglestone and The Castle Nursery Schools we do yoga each day. As the children come into our schools, the Curiosity Approach environments help them to recognise and feel a sense of calm, a feeling of Zen.

We put yoga into our curriculum offer, as the benefits for children are great, these include supporting their physical development, self-regulation, and concentration.

We know it is our job as early years practitioners to support the children’s emotional well being. Yoga offers the children an opportunity to relax and a regain a sense of calm. A time to re- centre and to be mindful about their own heart, body and minds. Time and space to breath and be aware of slowing things down. 

Developing self-regulation

Yoga can support children to begin to self regulate. By exercising their bodies and calming their minds, children learn about the mind-body connection. This teaches children to persevere, be patient, and work towards achieving more.

‍

Supporting physical development

Yoga for children can help to promote their physical strength as they learn to use their muscles in new ways. Different poses challenge different muscle groups and help each child to become aware of their body and the way it functions. Achieving balance is very important in yoga. Even for children that find balancing hard, in a calm environment they will gain mental and physical stability from being patient. Working with a child to remain calm whilst they wobble over will help them with their stability. With regular practice, their physical balance will improve, and the child will get a hugely important sense of accomplishment.

‍

‍

Promoting concentration and calm

As the children practise different yoga poses, they will begin to clear their mind and focus on the movement or technique in practice. Working on a single focus will develop their concentration.

Why not have a go at home?

We have been using Cosmic Yoga in our schools,

you can access some of the videos to try at home here:

https://www.youtube.com/user/cosmickidsyoga

Here's are a few videos to get you started . . .