Exhale
Module 3
Standing Yoga
When students have been sitting in one place for an extended period of time or need a testing break, standing yoga poses might be just the action for you to incorporate.
This module will provide you with four different standing yoga poses, pictures and videos to go with each one, and learning activities to help you understand and remember the poses.
While any of the standing yoga poses below can be used in a variety of different scenarios, considerations are provided for each one, to help you get started.
Why Standing Yoga?
If you still are not convinced that yoga is the right new aspect to incorporate in your classroom, here is one more video.
The video to the right discusses the benefits of standing yoga. The narrator explains that it can be intimidating for some, but shows how simple stretching and breathing can make a huge difference.
Please answer the questions as you watch.
Standing Yoga Poses
Forward Bend Pose
Scenario: before a transition
Time: 4-5 minutes
Space: student uses area around their desk or spread out outside
Above, you can see a photo of the forward bend pose. Below, you can view a how-to video for this pose.
The child will stand tall and then bend over to reach down and touch their toes. If they can not touch their toes, tell them to reach somewhere between their knee and foot.
Crescent Moon Pose
Scenario: before the school day begins
Time: 4-5 minutes
Space: student uses area around their desk or spread out outside
Above, you can see a photo of the crescent moon pose. Below, you can view a how-to video for this pose.
The child will stand tall and then reach their arms overhead to touch. Then, they will bend to one side, return to the center, and bend to the other side.
Lunge Pose
Scenario: to stretch the body
Time: 4-5 minutes
Space: student uses area around their desk or spread out outside
Above, you can see a photo of the lunge pose. Below, you can view a how-to video for this pose.
The child will step one leg out and bend their knee into a lunging position, while raising their arms to the sky. After a few seconds, have them return to standing and repeat the pose on the other side.
Tree Pose
Scenario: at the end of the school day
Time: 4-5 minutes
Space: student uses area around their desk or spread out outside
Above, you can see a photo of the tree pose. Below, you can view a how-to video for this pose.
The child will stand tall and then reach their arms overhead to touch. They will bend one leg in the air, placing their foot anywhere on their leg, with their knee facing out. Tell them to focus on a spot in front of them and hold the pose as long as they can.
Learning Activities
Now that you have learned about some different standing yoga poses, along with their scenario, time, and space considerations, it is time to put your knowledge to the test with some learning activities!