Teaching and learning

The benefits of yoga for preschoolers

How including yoga can support physical development, self-regualtion, and concentration.
Preschoolers doing yoga
April 12, 2024
Reading time:
4
min.
a light bulb with the letter p inside it

a black and white image of two hearts

famly icon - piggy bank

a black and white image of two houses

setting

s

a black and white image of a bunny and a bottle

children

a black and white heart icon

With Famly since

In a rush? Here's the quick run-down.

  • Play is one of the most powerful motivators in early childhood, encouraging children to be creative and to develop their ideas, understanding and language. Through play, children can explore, apply and test out what they know, what they can do, and start to understand the world they live in.
  • In contrast, something as disciplined (and traditionally quiet) as a yoga session, might seem a world away from a busy childcare center. But actually, yoga with children works phenomenally well.
  • Find out how to get started with yoga in the Early Years and why it's so beneficial to children.

At first glance, yoga and early childhood might seem like a strange pairing. However, according to Helen Garabedian, Author of Itsy Bitsy Yoga for Toddlers and Preschoolers, "Many poses are active and playful, which helps children cope with their emotions"

Even though it's a physical activity, yoga’s non-competitive nature can be calming for children. And it doesn’t have to be complicated poses either – it could simply be a set of useful breathing exercises.

But why does Yoga work so well for preschoolers? We get into it below...

A preschooler holds a gymnastics ball between their legs as they lie on a yoga mat

Using yoga to support preschoolers with self-regulation

Yoga is not only a fun activity but one that could have a real impact on child development. Teaching children to relax is really important.

There’s scientific evidence behind the cause too. A study from the US has revealed that a daily yoga program reduced aggressive behavior, social withdrawal, and hyperactivity in children, when compared to a control group of children who did not practice yoga.

By exercising the physical body and calming the mind, children learn about the mind-body connection. Yoga teaches children to persevere, be patient, and work towards achieving more. As we mentioned earlier, mastering a pose can offer a huge boost to both their confidence and self-esteem as well.

Using yoga to support 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.

An EY educator and two children practice meditation

Using yoga to promote concentration and calm

By practicing different poses, children will be encouraged to clear their mind and focus on the movement or technique in practice. Working on a single focus will develop their concentration, which can have positive repercussions in other areas of their development too.

You can always put soothing music on while practicing yoga to help calm the children – there are plenty of playlists on YouTube. Although yoga is classed as physical exercise, it mustn’t be overlooked as an exercise for the brain too. It can bring calm to a very active mind, so it’s not only a great stress reliever for your children, but for your staff too!

Two Early Years teachers and a group of four children practice meditation

Top tips to get started with yoga in your classroom

  • Begin by deciding on a simple routine and a staff member who's happy to instruct the children.
  • You don't need to be an expert in yoga, but you do need to understand the needs and abilities of the children in your setting. Focus on a calm and safe environment over trying to pursue the more challenging poses.
  • You should repeat the same yoga postures over several weeks allowing the children to become at ease with them, letting their skills and confidence improve.
  • Don't feel you need to buy all the accessories. Investing in yoga mats and props is only optional. You can have a great yoga session on the floor, or even out in the fresh air if the weather doesn’t have other plans.

The big ideas

download pdf
graphical user interface, text, application
Official Danish Government Reopening Advice

Guidance from the Danish Health Ministry, translated in full to English.

Picture of a Guidance document
UK Nursery Covid-19 Response Group Recommendations

The full recommendations from a working group of over 70 nursery chains in the UK.

Please note: here at Famly we love sharing creative activities for you to try with the children at your setting, but you know them best. Take the time to consider adaptions you might need to make so these activities are accessible and developmentally appropriate for the children you work with. Just as you ordinarily would, conduct risk assessments for your children and your setting before undertaking new activities, and ensure you and your staff are following your own health and safety guidelines.

Welcome to sidekick

Your personal writing assistant

Fix spelling, grammar, and improve the tone of every message and newsfeed post. All with Sidekick.

Learn how Sidekick works