Warm up stretches can be done with young children sitting in between parents legs facing out into the group or encouragement can be given for them to sit unaided and copy from the yoga teacher if age appropriate. The following warm up stretches can be used (see images and explanations below along with the video above). Generally in a toddler class or when working with younger mobile children the idea is to use the element of surprise and anticipation. This can keep the young children engaged. Through the use of counting and using language for example up and down when in a particular yoga pose, you can help support early communication and learning skills. If you have completed baby yoga training then using some of the arm and leg stretches from this training can also be incorporated into the warm up.

Arm Rolling

Supporting the arms gently encourage the rolling of the arms forward one arm at a time over the other. Roll them slowly and quickly alternating the speed for anticipation. You can use language such as slowly, quickly, roll roll roll, forward and backwards. The benefits help coordination as the child learns to use both sides of the brain and body together.

Arm Stretches

Supporting or holding the toddlers arms on the fleshy part or by the hands open up the arms wide to shoulder height and then close them back together so the hands touch. This can be aeroplane arms or toddler flies. Stretching the arms opens the chest, increases deeper breathing and strengthens the arms. Good for young children with asthma. Supports spinal suppleness as when the arms are opened outwards it relaxes the shoulders and opens the chest.  Caution don’t over stretch.

Stretching the arms above the head or rocket arms can be done by holding the child by the hands or forearms, bring the arms up parallel with the head and bring back down to the sides. Repeat 4 or 5 times. Helps spinal suppleness as when the arms are up above head it strengthens the upper back bottom to top. Caution not to over stretch work to resistance of the child. Use language such as up and down or big and small to coordinate with the movement.

Stretching the arms out in front whilst keeping the legs in a wide legged position. You can encourage the child to touch one foot then creep the fingers over to the opposite foot. Use of imagination can help in this stretch tickling the toes or spider fingers. This stretch helps the spine and calms the mind. It also give the abdominal organs an internal massage whilst stretching the legs. Caution don’t over stretch.

Daddy Butterfly

Seated with your legs apart toddler can sit in between so the spine has support and helps with balance. Keeping your legs straight, raise both the toddlers legs and hold for a few seconds, release back to the floor then repeat. If the toddler is older they can be encouraged to do this themselves. This stretch strengthens and tones the legs, abdomen and hips. Good for a challenge to the balance.

Mammy Butterfly

Seated with your legs apart toddler can sit in between so the spine has support and helps with balance. Keeping your legs straight, raise one of the toddlers legs. If the toddler is older they can be encouraged to do this themselves by hooking their fingers around their toes. This stretch strengthens and tones the legs, abdomen and hips. Good for a challenge to the balance.

Turtle

From a wide leg stretch, bring the hands forward between the legs stretching out as far forward as comfortable. The idea is the back mimics the shape of the shell.  Only stretch to the resistance encouraging the head to come down to the floor as far as it can go. This will stimulate a massage to the digestive system and promote calmness to the mind.

Rainbow arms

Lift one arm above the head and put the arm across the top of the toddlers head. Encourage them to try touch their ear. The other arm goes across their stomach as if to give themselves a cuddle. Swap them over so the arms are the other way. You can use language such as ‘123 and swap’.

Buddha

Sitting with child’s spine to parent’s stomach. Bring them into a half lotus (see below section) and bring the opposite leg on top resting on the thigh or leg where it is comfortable.  Repeat on both sides caution not to overstretch. Not for children with hip issues. This stretch will gently open up the hips.

Lotus Legs

Sitting with child’s spine to parent’s stomach, bring them out into a Wide Leg Stretch. Bring one foot into the inside of the opposite thigh. Say ‘1,2,3 and swap’ and do the same on the opposite side. The foot and leg can be moved into a Half Buddha position so that the foot sits on top of the thigh, repeat on opposite leg.  Over time an Extended Lotus can be done so that the foot sits just on top of the thigh or into the crease of the opposite hip.  Work as progressive movements and stretch to toddler’s resistance. This stretches the legs but is also a hip opening stretch.

Butterfly

Children can either sit with spine supported by parent who is in a wide leg stance, or sat upright themselves. Soles of the feet join together bring the heels in toward the pubic bone. Sit up straight. Toddlers can either wrap hands around the feet and then ‘flap’ their butterfly wings (thighs) or can gently lower their heads to try to get their nose closer to the feet. Use methods try and smell your feet or kiss your ties to create imaginative play in the pose. Do not over stretch. this gentle pose opens the hips and will warm up the thighs as well as gently giving some spinal movement.

Forward Fold

Sitting with child’s spine to parent’s stomach and child’s legs out in front, parent brings child into rocket arms and then encourages them to bend forward to touch their toes. If the child can do this without the aid of support encourage the child to stretch forward and touch their toes. A calming posture, stretching the hamstrings and gives the digestive organs a massage. The legs can bend if they need to slightly.