Developing Mindfulness in our ELC
The Positive Impact of Yoga, Mindfulness & Breathwork on Young Students
In our Early Learning Centre, students are busy learning the masterful craft of yoga and breathwork.
Incorporating yoga, mindfulness and breathwork into our curriculum from a young age can be extremely beneficial, having a positive impact on children’s physical, emotional and cognitive development.
Self Regulation through Breathwork
Each week, our ELC children settle into practice with a breathing exercise. This regular breathwork practice is designed to increase the children's capacity to self-regulate. We focus on teaching students to notice their breath as a first step to recognising feelings and sensations. This can be achieved by simply observing the breath's rhythm, feeling the sensation of the body and using your hands on the diaphragm to get a sense of your breath's rhythm.
Within our sessions, various breathwork techniques are introduced to children, helping them to manage their emotions and stress levels. Techniques like the cooling breath, the ‘shhh’ breath, water breath and heat releasing breath help to tap into the Parasympathetic Nervous System, calming our bodies and reducing tension. These techniques are particularly taught during our desert, water and fire themed classes.
Another valuable breath technique used during our ‘Jungle themed Yoga’ was to practise our elephant and gorilla breaths, these help children to release anger and frustration. Students imagine that they are throwing away any worries or fears they may have.
Hannah Lin, Kids Yoga and Mindfulness Teacher, outlines some of the benefits of yoga and breathwork practices as taught during her weekly wellbeing sessions with our ELC students.
Breathing exercises help students check-in with themselves, taking a moment to notice how they are feeling. Breathwork also helps to cultivate awareness of feelings & sensations.
Fostering creativity and a joy for movement through yoga shapes and freestyle movement.
Building concentration, confidence and balance through standing, balance and partner work.
Making yoga fun for the children through storytelling, movement and music.
Encourages careful listening and awareness skills.
Integrating craft and textile elements to teach healthy coping skills and stress management.
Nurturing creativity and imagination, following Picasso’s philosophy “We are all born artists; the problem is to remain an artist as we grow up”
How to Practise at Home with your Child
Parents and caregivers can actively support their child's yoga journey by practising at home together.
Standing with feet hip width apart, bending at the knees.
Reaching your hands above your head, imagine your hands are your trunk.
Take a deep breath, exhaling strongly to make a big ‘HAH’ sound as you fold down.
Inhale and stand up tall, arms (trunk) reaching above your head.
Repeat as many times as you need and remember to check in and notice any shifts in energy or emotions.
The weekly practices of yoga, breathwork and mindfulness within our ELC provide a holistic approach to childhood development. These practices empower children to manage their emotions, enhance physical wellbeing and foster creativity and mindfulness. By incorporating these practices into early education, we set children on a path to become resilient and self aware individuals who carry these valuable skills throughout their lives.