Great Books for Yoga Stories
Small children like stories and have very active imaginations. Making stories together in yoga is lots of fun, but occasionally we need some inspiration. Following are some books we have found to inspire yoga lessons. You can either read the stories then do yoga, or just do the yoga as you enjoy the story. Be creative! Have fun!
“Fly Like Butterfly: Yoga for Children” By Shakta Kaur Khalsa
A fun-filled romp of yoga interlaced with stories, songs, and quiet time. Beautiful photos of children holding simple yoga poses. Written with the beginner in mind, the book is designed so parents can read along with their children. Older children can read by themselves using the photos as guides. Children’s Yoga Card Pack, music CD, and DVD available through www.childrensyoga.com
Shakta also has a great selection of e-bo0ks. Check it out at: https://childrensyoga.com/shop/
Eric Carle is a classic children’s author that most people will remember as the author of “The Hungry Caterpillar”. All his books are wonderful, with simple and colorful illustrations. However, we have a few favorites, that really inspire some great yoga themes for classes.
“Brown Bear Brown Bear”
This is a great book with many animals to imitate with yoga poses. Fun and quick moving.
“From Head to Toe”
This is a delightful book for toddlers learning about their body parts and can be used to focus on gross motor movements.
“10 Little Rubber Ducks”
This delightful story traces rubber ducks on their journey from factory to the shops. Ten ducks slips off the boat in the box and goes on an adventure across the sea, meeting lost of animals along the way. This is perfect to tie a series of animal postures together for the younger yogi.
“The Mixed-up Chameleon”
This story features a chameleon who wants to be like other animals. They just seem to have better things than him! Using this story in the yoga class, provides numerous animals to imitate. At the end of the story, the chameleon learns the valuable lesson that it is best just to be him, as he is. A great story to encourage children to be happy with who they are and not to be like everyone else. A valuable lesson even for the very young.
“Little Cloud”
A story about a cloud that changes shape. Inspires imagination and may even be a good one for encouraging relaxation and allowing children to visualise the cloud shapes.
“Storytime Yoga: Teaching Yoga to Children Through Story” By Sydney Solis
Designed for parents, teachers, and anyone interested in yoga for children using stories from around the world. The “teaching stories” emphasize the importance of love, generosity, peace and friendship for children Pre-K through 6th grade. www.storytimeyoga.com
