Self-control
Toddlers practice holding a downward dog pose (yoga) while breathing slowly and deeply.
Be Prepared: This activity is for toddlers who have recently participated in Option 2 (and possibly Option 1). Be familiar with the downward dog pose. Arrange for another adult or preschool-age child in your center to demonstrate the downward dog pose if you do not wish to do so. Adapt the pose if you anticipate it will be too challenging for toddlers in your room.
Invite several toddlers to join you in doing a downward dog pose. Show the provided pictures as a reminder of the pose. Explain that we will practice breathing slowly and deeply when we hold our body in a dog pose. Offer a demonstration that emphasizes the two important parts: slow and deep breaths. Quietly say “in” and “out” to describe your breathing. Then engage toddlers in practicing how to breathe slowly and deeply while standing in a relaxed position. It is not necessary for toddlers’ breathing to be uniform.
Next, move into a downward dog pose. Use the strategies suggested in Options 1 and 2 to describe your body. Encourage toddlers to also move into a dog pose. Support toddlers’ efforts with strategies suggested in Option 2. Remind toddlers that each of our poses can look different.
After toddlers are in a downward dog pose, use a gentle voice to encourage breathing slowly and deeply while holding the pose. Invite several attempts. Talk with toddlers about how their bodies felt while doing the pose and breathing slowly and deeply.
Yoga is a popular activity among young children and a demonstrated way to promote self-regulation skills. The benefits of yoga for very young children are described in the ELM Curriculum User Guide: Birth–36 Months.
This is the third yoga pose introduced to children 24–36 months of age in the ELM Curriculum. A tree pose was introduced in Block 8, and a frog pose was introduced in Block 11. Prior practice in breathing slowly and deeply is offered in Blocks 2 and 5 as well as part of calming-down practices in ELM Curriculum activities for children 12–24 months of age.
Some toddlers may find it challenging to hold their body in a pose while also focusing on breathing (Option 3). A slow pace with a quiet, soothing voice can be helpful to toddlers. It also is highly appropriate to focus on Option 2 with toddlers who need more time and practice in holding a yoga pose.
Extra support
Enrichment
Materials Needed: The ABCs of Yoga for Kids by Teresa Power, *picture of child engaged in downward dog pose
Display the book in a calm area of the room with a blanket or yoga mat. Invite toddlers to practice one of the poses introduced to date: the tree, the frog pose, or the downward dog pose. Some toddlers may enjoy looking at the yoga book and talking with you about other yoga poses. Encourage toddlers to compare the provided picture of a child engaged in the downward dog pose to the picture of the pose in The ABCs of Yoga for Kids book.
*Printables provided
Materials Needed: *pictures of a child and a dog used in Options 1–3
Preschool-age children may enjoy participating in Options 1–3 as well as the Interest Area activity. Older infants will enjoy watching toddlers and others try a downward dog pose.
*Printables provided
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