Yoga Sun Salutation for Kids

A yoga mat or large towel for each person

Comfortable clothing that allows stretching

Lay out mats in a clear space where you can move freely. Take off shoes and socks — bare feet grip the mat better.

Start in Mountain Pose: stand tall at the front of the mat, feet together, arms relaxed at your sides. Take 3 deep breaths here.

Upward Salute: inhale and sweep both arms up overhead, palms touching. Look up at your hands. Stretch tall.

Forward Fold: exhale and bend forward at the hips, reaching toward your toes. Bend your knees if you need to. Let your head hang heavy.

Low Lunge: inhale and step your right foot back, dropping the right knee to the mat. Left knee stays bent over the left ankle. Look forward.

Plank: step your left foot back to join the right. Hold your body in a straight line from head to heels. Hold for one full breath.

Lower Down: slowly lower your body to the mat, elbows close to your sides.

Cobra: press your palms into the mat and lift your chest. Keep hips on the floor. Look up and take a breath.

Downward Dog: push your hips up and back, making an upside-down V. Press heels toward the floor. Hold for 3 breaths.

Step Forward and Rise: step both feet forward to your hands, hang in a fold, then slowly rise to standing with arms overhead. Lower arms to sides. One sun salutation complete. Repeat 3-5 times.

The sun salutation is the foundation of all yoga practice. Learning this sequence gives your child a complete workout they can do anywhere, anytime, for the rest of their life.

Don't worry about perfect form. A 6-year-old's plank will look different from an adult's. Encourage effort over perfection.

Breathing with the movements is the key. Inhale on upward movements, exhale on downward movements. Say "breathe in" and "breathe out" as you move together.

Start with 2-3 rounds. By the third round, the sequence will feel more natural. Add rounds as your child builds strength and memory.

Try doing sun salutations outside, facing the actual sun (morning or evening). The connection to nature adds a whole dimension to the practice.