BIRTHLIGHT Toddler Yoga • Lesson Plan 1/6

Overview for Birthlight Toddler Yoga Course

This course is aimed at infants aged 18 months to 24 months. It is focused on mother or other significant carer working together with the child. Using traditional yoga-based moves and breathing, the pair collaborate in finding ways to develop physical moves in a supportive way. Bonding methods are developed suitable to the toddler stage in a safe and secure space. The friendship is further forged through fun activities. The concepts of activity and quiet time are explored through dynamic pace changes. Throughout the six weeks there is a build up of sequences into short stories in an interactive form so that the children enjoy a creative role in directing the structured play. The principles of balance, awareness, and respect are paramount throughout the course.

Lesson: Introduction to Birthlight Toddler Yoga course

Aims: To introduce mothers/carers and children to the principles of Toddler Yoga.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes

By the end of the session the parent and child will have;

·  been introduced to stretches and exercises.

·  experienced warm up exercises

·  practiced balance exercises

·  have experienced balance between activity and stillness

·  practiced Yoga postures

·  have followed sequences and story lines

·  heard songs

·  FUN

TIME / ACTIVITY / SONG TITLE PROPS / Teaching points and notes / Counter indications and cautions / Benefits
5’
(5’) / Welcome
Completion of medical questionnaire
Housekeeping items: fire exits, pram storage
Explanation
Talk about the principles of Toddler Yoga and the benefits / Offer a cup of water
Emphasis child free to dip in and out through entire session. Walking child models on parent. Cruiser helped by parent, crawler parent either does on themselves or on child. Emphasis is important for parent to take part-role model.
5’
(10’) / Introductions
Introduce self
Offer overview of Birthlight
Outline the course structure, confirming dates and times
Facilitate Introduction of Participants
Icebreaker
“Why Did You Choose to Come to Birthlight SMART course” / Emphasise each parent must take responsibility for their own child
5’
(15’) / Adults’ warm up
Introduce deep relaxed breathing and the technique.
Sitting stretches with arms above head, to sides, side twists, stretching to feet.
Ring bells / BELLS / Energising and release tension
Remind all to go at own pace
Prevent injury
Strengthen upper body
Attract attention
5’
(20’) / Introduce each other
Action song
Warm up child
Rubbing arms and legs, shoulders etc.
Up down salute / ‘Hello Song’
‘If you’re happy’
‘Stretchy Song’
SCARVES / Important to warm up child before exercises,
loosen up and get in the mood.
Show alternatives for abilities: crawlers – child on parent’s knee
Cruisers – child helped using banister hold, parent kneeling
Walkers – model on parent
(Scarves can be used under child’s arms for support)
Opens chest - good for colds, stretches spine – good for toning nervous system
5’
(25’) / Hips and Arms
Pedal legs, rolling hips, butterfly hips, stretching and rolling arms / ‘My Little Bicycle’
‘Wind Bobbin’ / Strength and flexibility
Different positions for each age group
Caution with any hip problems
5’
(30’) / Dynamic Moving
Crawling – resting/walking – stopping/running-stopping and resting
Thunder storm
Growing peas exercise / ‘Crawling song’
‘I hear thunder’
‘Peas in a Pod’ / Importance of changing pace, helps develop smooth coordination and muscle development
Starting a sequence
5’
(35’) / Flying children
Humpty dumpty either on knees or parents’ tummy
Inversion
From parents sitting and child on knees
Super hero cape
For older child
Pendulum balance / ‘Humpty Dumpty’
‘Zoom Zoom’
‘Hickory Dickory’ / Vestibular system stimulated aiding balance
Offer variation for each ability on all moves.
Pairing move.
Supportive fun
5’
(40’) / Adult stretches
Introduce tree pose
Beehive / CUSHIONS / Aids relaxation of body
Bonding technique
Quieten pace ready for relaxation
5’
(45’) / Relaxation/Quiet Time
Encourage adults to lie down and resist interacting with child. Listen to sounds within the room. Close eyes. Take mind away to a pleasant experience. Tense and relax muscles from head to toe.
Tension leaves through fingertips and toes….relax. / Emphasise importance of quiet time.
Gives child experience of self-control
5’
(50’) / Wake up time
Stretch in all directions
Sit up, hoorah stretch
Goodbye song / ‘Goodbye Song’ / Check how everyone feels after the session. Offer to answer any questions regarding the SMART course.

Birthlight Toddler Yoga

SET A (18 months – 24 months)

© Birthlight