Yoga For Children of Age 3-6 Years English
Yoga For Children of Age 3-6 Years English
Yoga For Children of Age 3-6 Years English
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Preamble:
Life is full of vicious circle and age is just a number and being a kid is an opportunity. Being in a
kid, a child tosses between assignments and school pressures in the form of compulsory extra-
curricular activities. Time for physical activities like playing outside in the fields is extremely
less. There are a lot of distracting activities around the kids. It could be peer pressure or
competitive atmosphere and it turns into insecurities and fear in children. To overcome such
challenges, Yoga offers a solution which children can imbibe in their personalities by practicing
Yogic practices at regular basis in playful ways. Yogic practices ensure right direction of growth
and development which result in improvement their behaviour and personalities. Benefits
of Yogic practices for children with age ranging from 3-6 years could be summed up in the
following way:
2. It boosts memory: Studies suggest that regular practice of Yoga helps in improving
brain power. Mandukasana and many forward-bending asanas are particularly
beneficial in improving memory and other mental functions. Meditation also works
wonders.
3. It enhances immunity: Kids often fall prey to cold and cough despite all the
care taken by their parents. Yoga stimulates the nervous, endocrine, digestive
and circulatory systems enhancing their functioning. Simple asanas such as
Bhujangasana, Parvatasana, Plank, and simple deep breathing techniques can
safeguard the children from easily falling victim to germs.
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suggest that this type of exercise can improve children’s attention, relationships, self-esteem
and listening skills. Studies suggest that Yoga can improve symptoms of attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children with this condition. Other studies suggest Yoga may
reduce anxiety and negative behaviors.
Yoga is inexpensive, requiring no special equipment, and can be performed nearly anywhere.
Practicing Yoga with children should be different from Yoga practice with adults. Yoga poses
need not to be perfect for children. The purpose of kids’ Yoga is to increase fitness, decrease
stress and improve mental focus in a joyful ways. Yoga at an early age encourages self-esteem
and body awareness with a physical activity that’s noncompetitive. Fostering cooperation and
compassion instead of opposition is a great gift to give our children in the current scenario.
Target Group:
The contents of this booklet are prepared having all the requirement of kids with age group of
3-6 years. The booklet has all the prerequisites and guidelines needed for children.
6. Always breathe normally through the nose, both in and out, unless specified
otherwise.
7. Those with disabilities, severe, acute or chronic medical conditions should consult
with Yoga expert to assess any dangers or difficulties which may arise.
Asana Practice
1. These stretch and tone the muscles and ligaments, keeping the spine and joints
flexible.
4. Relaxation releases tension from muscles and thus provide rest to whole system
leaving you fresh and energetic.
Balya Yoga (Yoga for Children of the Age group 3-6 years):
Guidelines:
1. Children less than 6 yrs of age stay up to 10 seconds staying in the final stage of any
asana /Yoga practice. The total time for the kid’s Yoga session should be not more
than 20 minutes.
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2. Children are advised not to perform asana for long duration and breathe holding
practices (Kumbhaka).
3. Yoga for children consists gentle Yoga stretches, Movements, often mimicking
animals, are incorporated with games.
4. Imaginative stories about each asanas are the best way to teach Yoga to kids.
5. Always demonstrate the posture, rather than explaining it. Use the same method
when trying to correct their poses, during practical session.
8. Avoid over stretching or being pushed too hard while practicing Yoga.
10. Children should practice Yoga under the supervision of an expert/ trained Yoga
teacher with proper guidance and never alone.
11. If child complains of any discomfort while or after practicing Yoga, she/he should be
given full attention and medical help, if needed.
12. Never compare children with each other. Encourage them in each and every session
for discipline to sit properly.
13. It’s always appreciated to teach Yoga with affection and deal with all their reactions
tenderly.
14. Yoga is not merely a set of physical exercises; they are psycho-spiritual practices,
where body is the means. Therefore, basic principles of Yoga like Yama and Niyama
shall be emphasized while teaching Yoga practices to get better results.
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Yogic diet
Ahar (diet) plays vital role in the development of overall personality. A Yoga practitioner is
supposed to take agreeable food. Consumption of refined food induces tamsik gunas and
tamsik diseases. Hence ‘Satvikahara’ which includes millets, other whole grains should be
encouraged especially in kids whose need for calcium, iron is more compared to the other
individuals. Diet works to prevent illness, increase energy and improve overall health. It relies
on food as close to its natural state as possible. This means eating foods that do not contain
artificial ingredients and are free of chemical preservatives and additives. The primary intake
should ideally include organic whole foods that are as fresh as possible to ensure maximum
nutritional value and life force.
1. Vegetables: All green leafy vegetables, Ash gourd, Ridge gourd, Apple gourd, Beet
root, Turnip, Carrot, Cucumber, Spinach, Tomato etc.
5. Dry fruits: Dates, Figs, Dry grapes, Cashew, Almonds, Walnut, Dry grapes (soaked
overnight).
6. Fresh fruits: Ripened, Seasonal and juicy fruits like Guava, Pear, Apple, Banana,
Sapota, Orange, Sweet orange.
8. Soups: Spinach, Carrot, Tomato, Beetroot and Coriander either all mixed or can be
prepared separately.
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2. Sukshmavyayama
(Loosening exercises)
Joint movements, and light exercise of the body parts bring lightness in the body and retain
proper movement and functions of the joint and muscle. The following loosening exercises are
beneficial for children.
Neck Movements
Forward and Backward Bending:
3. This is Samasthiti.
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Hands rotation:
1. Stand erect.
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Shoulder Rotation:
Shaking wrist:
1. Stand erect.
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1. Stand erect.
1. Stand straight.
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1. Stand straight.
Butterfly Movement:
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Knee Movement:
Ankle Movements:
Ankle stretch:
Ankle rotation:
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3. Asanas
(Postures)
1. Stand straight.
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9. It relieves constipation.
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1. Sit in Vajrasana.
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4. PRANAYAMA
1. Bhramari Pranayama
2. Deep Breathing
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5. KRIDA YOGA
1. Rain Claps
Clap your left palm repeatedly with one, two,
three, four fingers and entire right palm three
times each in ascending and descending
order. Then clap loudly in the usual way. It
sounds similar like rain.
2. Special Claps – I
Clap with both hands three times with the
rhythm 1,2/1,2,3/1,2/1,2,3/1,2/1,2,3.
3. Special Claps – II
Clap with both hands three times with the
rhythm 1,2,3/ 1,2,3/1,2,3.
4. Flower Claps
Raise both your hands with fingers spread
widely apart forming a flower. At the command
1,2,3, move your fingers vigorously. This
is a silent clap that can be used during a
performance or speech without disturbing
the programme. But a “zoooo” sound can be
added at other times.
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