The Ready for Yoga Program is an occupational therapy designed movement-based program that aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), supporting its core principles of Belonging, Being, and Becoming while also addressing key learning outcomes. Through yoga, mindfulness, and self-regulation practices, this program helps children navigate their world confidently, fostering their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development in early childhood settings.
Belonging, Becoming, Being
Belonging
The Ready for Yoga Program is built on shared experiences between children and adults, fostering connection, trust, and safety. It aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework’s (EYLF) focus on belonging, emphasizing the importance of trusting relationships in shaping identity.
In the Ready for Yoga Program, children engage in mindful movement and breathing exercises with trusted adults, creating affirming experiences that help them feel secure and connected within their families, communities, and learning environments.
The program acknowledges children’s interdependence with others, recognizing that relationships define identities. By building trust and safety through activities with supportive adults, children develop a stronger sense of belonging, contributing to their emotional growth and overall well-being.
Being
The Ready for Yoga Program aligns with the EYLF by emphasizing the importance of the present moment and supporting children in making sense of the world around them. The Ready for Yoga Program provides children with the tools to do just that through mindfulness, movement, and self-regulation practices.
The program encourages children to be fully present, helping them to connect with their bodies and emotions in the here and now. Yoga activities, such as breathing exercises and mindful movement, allow children to explore and understand their own feelings, develop their sense of self, and build meaningful relationships with others.
Becoming
The Ready for Yoga Program supports the Becoming process by helping children develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and physical capabilities. It teaches essential skills like mindfulness, body awareness, thinking and problem solving and emotional regulation abilities, which not only help children in the present but also prepare them for future challenges.
By incorporating yoga into their daily lives, children actively participate in their own development, building resilience and confidence. The program also fosters collaboration between children, educators, and families, aligning with the EYLF’s emphasis on the role of adults in nurturing children’s growth. This partnership strengthens connections and supports children in exploring and enhancing their abilities, preparing them to engage as active participants in their communities.
Here’s how the Ready for Yoga Program supports the five Learning Outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
- Children have a strong sense of identity
- Encourages self-awareness and emotional regulation through mindfulness and body awareness practices.
- Helps children understand their body cues, emotions and how their bodies respond to different situations.
- Builds confidence and fosters a positive sense of self through regular practice and self-discovery in their own abilities.
- Reinforces a sense of security and belonging by practicing yoga alongside trusted adults.
- Supports the development of identity through consistent, supportive, and affirming experiences.
- Children are connected with and contribute to their world
- Promotes connection with oneself and others, fostering social bonds through shared yoga activities.
- Encourages cooperation, turn-taking, and respect for personal space during group yoga sessions.
- Nurtures children's understanding of how their actions affect others, promoting empathy.
- Contributes to a harmonious learning environment by encouraging positive social interactions.
- Supports children's sense of belonging by teaching them to contribute to group settings and community activities.
- Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
- Promotes physical health by improving strength, flexibility, and coordination through movement.
- Supports emotional wellbeing by teaching strategies for experiencing stress and reducing anxiety.
- Fosters calmness and emotional regulation through breathing exercises and mindfulness practices.
- Contributes to maintaining a strong sense of overall wellbeing through regular movement engagement.
- Children are confident and involved learners
- Encourages active participation and engagement in learning through exploration and self-expression.
- Promotes curiosity about the body and mind, helping children learn about movement, breathing, and feelings.
- Boosts confidence by allowing children to gain new skills and experiences in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.
- Enhances concentration and focus, enabling children to approach challenges with curiosity and perseverance.
- Fosters key traits of involved learners, including confidence, perseverance, and a love for learning.
- Children are connected with and contribute to their world
- Enhances communication skills by encouraging non-verbal expression through movement and body language.
- Teaches children to express emotions and needs through mindful movements and actions, not just words.
- Promotes listening and following instructions during group yoga activities, reinforcing both verbal and non-verbal communication.
- Helps children become more in tune with their feelings through mindfulness practices, improving their ability to express themselves effectively.
- Supports both individual and collaborative communication skills in group settings.
The Ready for Yoga Program is a powerful tool for early childhood educators, supporting children’s development in the areas of Belonging, Being, and Becoming, while also meeting the EYLF’s five learning outcomes. Through movement, breath and yoga, children build trust, stay present in the moment, and develop critical skills that support their overall growth and well-being.