Printable Yoga Poses for Kids – Free PDF

Introducing children to the world of yoga can be transformative, offering a sanctuary from their bustling daily lives. The Your Therapy Source poster freebie with printable yoga poses for kids is designed to guide them through each movement. This downloadable yoga poster is a visual and educational resources, ideal for use both at home and in the classroom. You can access the free resources at the bottom of this post.

Embracing the Benefits of Kids Yoga 

Kids yoga goes beyond physical exercise, touching upon mental and emotional wellness. It strengthens their bodies, fosters concentration, and teaches them the art of calm. These free yoga pose printables are not just fun; they’re a gateway to a more balanced and joyful childhood. Use them for inspiration to start your yoga journey with healthy movement breaks.

Timing is Key: When to Use the Printable Yoga Poses for Kids

 The versatility of yoga makes it perfect for any time of day. Morning routines, after-school activities, or pre-bedtime – these yoga poses for kids fit seamlessly. Let the printable posters be their guide, inviting them to stretch, relax, and find peace whenever they need it.

How to Use the Kids Poster with Animal Yoga Poses

For children, it’s important to keep the practice fun and not to hold poses for too long, as they may become restless. Encourage them to breathe naturally and to enjoy the stretch and sensation each pose brings. If you need to, you could add a picture of the animal to help children to understand this brain break activity. Use the visuals on the printable yoga poses for kids poster to reinforce the activity.

Cow Pose: Start on hands and knees in a tabletop position. Make sure the knees are set directly below the hips and the wrists, elbows, and shoulders are in line and perpendicular to the floor. As you inhale, lift your sitting bones and chest toward the ceiling, allowing the belly to sink toward the floor. Lift your head to look straight forward. Hold for 1 to 3 breaths.

Flamingo Pose: Stand on one foot, find a focus point for balance, and bend the other knee, bringing the foot up to the inner thigh or calf (avoid the knee). Bring palms together at heart center and then slowly raise them above the head, keeping the palms touching. Stand tall with a straight spine and hold for 3 to 5 breaths before switching sides.

Camel Pose: Kneel on the floor with knees hip-width apart. Press your shins and the tops of your feet into the floor. Place hands on the back of your hips with fingers pointing downward. Lean back, with your chin slightly tucked toward your chest. If comfortable, reach back to hold onto your heels. Hold the pose for 3 to 6 breaths.

Lion Pose: Sit comfortably, either on your heels or cross-legged. Press your palms against your knees with fingers spread wide. Inhale through the nose, and then exhale forcefully out of your mouth, sticking out your tongue and making a ‘ha’ sound. Look towards your eyebrows or the tip of your nose. Repeat the roar 2 or 3 times.

Cat Pose: Start in tabletop position just like for Cow Pose. As you exhale, round your spine toward the ceiling and imagine you’re pulling your belly up towards your spine. Release your head toward the floor, but don’t force your chin to your chest. Hold for 1 to 3 breaths.

Dog Pose: From your hands and knees, exhale and lift your knees away from the floor. At first, keep the knees slightly bent and the heels lifted off the floor. Then, try to straighten your legs and push your heels downward. Hold the downward-facing dog pose for 1 to 3 breaths at first, then try to work up to holding for 5 to 10 breaths.

Monkey Pose: Begin in a sitting or standing position. Lift your right arm overhead and out your left hand on your stomach. Hold for 3 breaths. Switch and hold your left arm up and right hand on your stomach. Hold for 3 breaths.

Snake Pose: Lie flat on the stomach with hands under the shoulders, elbows close to the body. Press into the hands and lift the chest off the ground, keeping the neck elongated. Hold for 1 to 3 breaths stretching the upper body before gently lowering back down.

Giraffe Pose: Stand with feet hip-width apart. Reach one arm up towards the sky while stretching the other out to the side, turning your head to gaze up at the raised hand. Hold for 3 to 5 breaths, then switch sides.

Frog Pose: Come to a deep squat with your feet wider than your hips, and hands on the floor in front of you for balance. Press your elbows against your inner knees. Hold this pose for 3 to 5 breaths.

Butterfly Pose: Sit with a tall spine, bend your knees, and bring the soles of your feet together. Hold your feet with your hands and gently flap your knees up and down like the wings of a butterfly. Hold for 3 to 6 breaths, encouraging the children to imagine the gentle movement of butterfly wings. This is an excellent calm down yoga pose to end the session.

Additional Resources:

• Yoga for Autism
• Yoga for ADHD
• Yoga in the Kindergarten Classroom
• Yoga Coloring Pages
• Yoga Activities for Kids
• Printable Yoga Worksheet for Kids (Free)
• Yoga Poses for Self-Regulation

Yoga in the Classroom: A Source of Calm and Focus 

Yoga is a fantastic addition to the classroom, offering a moment of quiet in a busy school day. Use these printable yoga cards to introduce brain breaks or transition times. It’s a practical tool for educators, promoting harmony and focus in a playful and engaging way.

Creating a Safe Haven with Yoga Mats and Posters 

A calm down corner equipped with yoga mats and kids yoga posters can become a cherished space. Here, amidst the vibrant posters, children can explore poses like Child’s Pose or Cobra Pose, finding their inner calm. It’s a dedicated spot for them to breathe, stretch, and center themselves.

Unleashing Creativity with Free Yoga Pose Printables 

Let children take the lead by crafting their own yoga sequences using the free yoga pose printables. This encourages them to mix and match poses. If you need more poses like Tree Pose, Warrior, or Mountain Pose, to foster their creativity and independence, try the Yoga Games and Activities packet. 

Navigating Transitions and Emotions through Yoga 

Yoga is a compassionate companion through the ups and downs of a child’s day. Poses like the gentle twist or the sturdy upright stance of the Mountain Pose teach them to take deep breaths and approach life’s twists and turns with grace. It’s a serene way to manage transitions and big emotions.

 Yoga offers a holistic approach to nurturing a child’s body, mind, and spirit. Our printable yoga poses for kids are a colorful, engaging way to introduce this practice into their lives. Perfect for parents, teachers, or caregivers, these printables are a treasure trove of fun and tranquility. Young children will enjoy the animal association.