Blackpool FC Community Trust’s Tiny Tangerines programme is now offering ‘Toddler Yoga’ to local nurseries and pre-schools.
Toddler Yoga encourages young children to become aware of their own bodies and the physical space of themselves within the universe. It aids their co-ordination, through specific movements and exercises crossing the midline of the body. As well as the physical benefits to the yoga sessions there are also benefits for their emotional wellbeing, by developing the mind and awareness through relaxation techniques within their natural movements.
The Trust’s Early Years officer Danielle Beesley has been piloting the Toddler Yoga programme during Autumn term at St Nicholas Pre-School. Danielle said, “Yoga is well known for its ability to strengthen and increase flexibility of joints and muscles. As a toddler develops, this is key to them reaching their full potential.”
The provision included a variety of well-known children’s stories such as ‘The Gruffalo’, ‘Monkey Puzzle’ and ‘We’re going on a bear hunt’.
The yoga poses are incorporated into the stories and the children used their imagination to become the characters from the stories. The children practiced breathing techniques to help encourage healthy self-regulation. The toddlers also took part in mini games during the sessions, allowing the children to make decisions and be creative.
For more information regarding the brand new yoga scheme please contact Blackpool FC Community Trust on 01253 348691.
