Many preschoolers enjoy yoga. In a Yeshiva University case study of yoga and children, "Participatory Learning and Action with Young Children," one child's remark about the warrior pose was typical: "I like warrior...because when I do warrior, I feel like one!" Marsha Wenig, creator of the YogaKids video and educational curriculum, says children relish playing the roles of animals, trees, flowers and warriors as they assume the poses. Letting young children use animal and nature sounds that correspond to poses makes it even more fun. They can bark in dog pose, hiss in cat pose, slither into cobra pose.
Cobra (Bhujangasana)
When teaching the children cobra pose, invite them to use their imaginations. Demonstrate cobra slowly, suggesting that the children add hissing and slithering as they extend the crown of the head upward. They should move as though they do not have arms or legs.
Tree Pose (Vrksasana)
Vrkasasana, or tree pose, is a invitation to develop balance while using the imagination. Invite the children to envision a giant tree and its roots holding it firmly, as if roots are growing out of the soles of their feet and into the ground. Marsha Wenig's YogaKids curriculum suggests using imaginative questions while kids hold the pose, such as " Could you stay in the same position for 100 years?"
Lion Pose (Simhasana)
The lion pose is very enjoyable for young children particularly because of the opportunities to roar repetitively. In the "Yoga Journal" article "Yoga for Kids," Marsha Wenig says children experience not only the lion's power, but their own sense of power.
Warrior I (Virabhadrasana)
The first warrior pose is a favorite among young children because standing tall and strong invokes their strength and builds self esteem. In this pose, children can recite a mantra of words that make them feel strong and powerful.
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