MATERIALS
- Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle
- Paper
- Scissors
- Markers
- Tape or glue
SHORT DESCRIPTION/TOPIC
We will explore the winter season’s animals, characteristics and interesting facts while practicing yoga in a fun, safe and educational way.
DISCUSSION POINTS
Winter officially begins on December 21 and ends on March 19. What happens towards the end of fall that lets us know winter is getting closer? (Weather gets colder, leaves fall, days become shorter, etc.)
CONNECTING CIRCLE
Peace Breath – Close your eyes. Relax your face muscles. Breathe in. Breathe out and whisper the word “peace.” Do 3 to 6 times. As you say the word, feel the peace inside you. Repeat a silent affirmation such as “I am peaceful.” Slowly open your eyes. This pose Increases oxygenation and triggers the relaxation response in the body. Body Benefits, Affirmations
POSES AS PATHEWAYS
During winter, the sun’s rays hit the Earth at a shallow angle, which minimizes the amount of energy that hits any given spot. Additionally, long nights and short days prevent the Earth from warming up. Ecological Echoes
Let’s warm up by saluting the sun.
Sun Salutation – Repeat one to ten times.
What do people do to prepare for the winter season? (Chop wood, buy winter clothes…)
Woodchopper – Time to chop wood to keep our house warm. We need 10 logs for the fire, so let’s count 10 chops. Note: For older kids, count by 5’s or 10’s. Math Medley
Over winter break, many people visit their relatives. Do any of you? Let’s take an imaginary trip on a train.
Breathing Train
Many people take car trips to visit relatives.
Driving My Car – Play some driving music like Baby You Can Drive My Car by the Beatles. Think of a place you could drive to in your imaginary car that starts with the same letter as your first name, Marsha Memphis, or Don Denver.” (Note: For younger students, the teacher should create the locations for the kids.) Musical Musings, Laughing Language
Snow falls in many parts of the country in the winter. Imagine cool snowflakes softly falling on you…
Finger Dancing
Birds migrate south for warmer weather in the winter. Let’s practice a bird pose.
Eagle – Try to balance for 10 seconds on each side and gradually increase the time. Brain Balance
Geese fly in formation and work together as a team, we will now practice a pose that takes teamwork.
Circle of Friendship Flowers – We All Win
Polar Bear – The polar bear is a cold weather animal There are five nations with polar bears: U.S. (Alaska), Canada, Russia, Greenland, and Norway. Ecological Echoes
Reading Comes Alive with Yoga
Read aloud Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle and teach the following poses while reading the book:
R is for Roar – Practice this pose round-robin style and have one child start, by rising and doing a unique roar, have the children repeat this, one by one until everyone has done the pose. Bridge of Diamonds
Flamingo – Do both sides 2 or 3 times.
Cobra – A snake’s backbone is made up of many vertebrae attached to ribs. Humans have approximately 33 vertebrae and 24 ribs. Snakes have between 200-400 vertebrae with as many ribs attached! That is what makes them so flexible and helps them move along! Ecological Echoes, Awesome Anatomy
Elephant – Swing your trunk and walk. Dip your trunk into the river and throw it back over your head. Spray the other elephants with your trunk. Trumpet like an elephant.
QUIET QUESTS
Lie down on your backs and get comfortable, close your eyes. Listen to the sweet sound of your own breath in and out. Feel the gentle rise and fall of your belly as you breath. (pause) Imagine you just spent the day sledding or skiing with your family and now you are resting. You can hear the snow as it gently hits the walls and roof of your house. (pause) Once again feel the gentle rise and fall of your belly. Up and down. (pause) Now bring your attention back to the room, gently wiggle your fingers and toes. Slowly roll onto your right side and rest. Gently push yourself up to sitting.
VISUAL VIGNETTES
Note: This visual can be done at the beginning of class, before the guided visualization or at the end of class. Have the kids cut out circles and glue or tape them onto a piece of paper. Feel free to use colored paper, markers, glitter or any craft material you have on hand to spice up your bears. For younger students, consider pre-cutting the circles yourself and having the kids
decorate and put together.
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CLOSING CIRCLE
Fountain of Oms