1st Grade Yoga Animal Stretches Opening- 10 minutes Standards: 1.1 Personal space, 1.6 Balance oneself, 4.7 role of blood transporting oxygen from the lungs Overview: breathing and flexibility Introduce yoga through animal stretching in nature preparing for movement. Students have personal space about the size of a large towel. *Can be done in the classroom with desks move to the edges. Students do not need any equipment, but a gym mat or yoga mat would be ideal.

Instruction- 15 minutes 1.Model each pose for students, have a student model and check for understanding. 2.Then have students practice the pose. Teacher helps students to modify pose for student comfort level, using pillows/ stuffed animals or other props Practice- 15 minutes 1.Students get into specific poses as directed. 2.Students are encouraged to make animal noises while in the pose *IMPORTANT: In Instruction and Practice remind students about their breathing (In through the nose and out through the mouth)

Tree Pose Not only tree’s can stand tall! Show off how tall you are by imagining a string going from the floor to the top of your head. Slowly pick up your leg and balance on one leg with thinking about how tall and proud you are! Modify: Raise one leg off the floor as much as possibly while staying balanced.

Warrior Be strong and proud. You are a learning warrior! Be careful not to over-extend!

Dead Bug or Baby Good for the spine! Make sure to keep your head flat on the ground looking straight toward your raised arms. Modifications: If you can’t touch your toes then lift your legs as far as you can.

Cobra 1. Lay down on your stomach. 2. Place your hands directly by your chest. 3. Push your upper body upward as far as you can. 4. Now pretend you are a cobra and hiss! Cat 1. Get on all fours. 2. Arch your back up really tall, as if you were an angry cat. The kids will probably enjoy hissing to complete the picture. 3. Gently let your back fall into a sway, then arch it back up again. 4. Mewing and hissing are greatly encouraged - come on, it's too fun not to!

Down Dog 1.Stand with feet flat on the ground. 2.Slowly bend at the waist until your hands reach the ground. 3.Lean your body back slightly until you resemble and upside down V. 4.Bark, loudly, until the neighbors come over to find out what's going on. Lion 1.Sit on your legs with knees bent (basic hero pose). 2.Stick your tongue out as far as you can. 3.Breathe out with force while roaring like a lion.

Savasana or Cool Down- 5 minutes Cooling down pose: Lay in a comfortable position with arms and legs out to your side, palms up. VISUALIZATION: Imagine your breath going in your nose, into your lungs and your blood carrying through your body to your toes and your fingers. Or other visualization strategy. Students should slowly get up and sit cross legged, then with 3 big breaths on the the exhale everyone says “OOOOuuuuummmmmm” The vibrations and harmony will create a sense of unity and relaxation

Discussion- 5 minutes What do animals and children do naturally without thinking about it and without being told to do it? Answer: Breathing and Stretching! What do animals and children do naturally without thinking about it and without being told to do it? Answer: Breathing and Stretching!

Why Yoga in the Classroom: EVERYONE CAN DO IT!!! Modifications are always available! Develops focus, concentration, and discipline Reduces stress, hyperactivity, fidgetiness Expands and enriches sense of self and awareness Increased muscular strength and decreased resting heart rate Teaches being “in the moment” and non-reactive Clears the mind for learning! AND SO MUCH MORE!! Great Yoga in the classroom resource and grant opportunities: