Yoga Command Cards

The ready-to-cut packet contains all 95 of the yoga poses that are introduced one at a time in the curriculum  A Guide for the Montessori Classroom: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. We have found that teachers and homeschool parents would rather cut and laminate the cards themselves at a substantially lower cost than our laminated set.

The cards are simply worded for use like Montessori Oral Command Cards or as Written Command Cards for beginning readers. The cards use words to tell step by step how to do each pose. It is for this reason there are no pictures or illustrations on the cards. No previous yoga experience is required.
Instructions for cutting and laminating the cards and information and guidelines for beginning yoga in the classroom or home are included.

Suggestions for use:
After each pose is read and practiced, place its card in a basket. Use the basket of cards in a variety of ways. A few suggestions are:
Draw a card and do the pose with a group or on circle, with a small spontaneous group, or as individual or partner work. Use the cards at circle time to center, calm, and focus before a work period or any time during the day when children need a way to redirect, focus and unwind. Use the cards before rest time to calm and quiet children and help them rest better.
Yoga Command Cards-
They are used like oral command cards with younger children. Older children can read the card themselves and do the pose. They can take turns with a partner- one reads a card and the other does the pose. A younger child can ask an older child to read a card to them and do the pose.

Similarities of Yoga and Montessori
1) Both have a calming and centering affect on the child.
2) Both begin simply and then gradually increase in difficulty.
3) Both provide movement. (Maria Montessori built movement into the work
    and eliminated sitting at desks.)
4) Both yoga and Montessori build peace from the inside out.
5) Both yoga and Montessori focus inward and increase awareness.
6) Both yoga and Montessori are non-competitive.
7) Like Montessori work, the emphasis for Yoga With Children is on the
    process, not the end product. Enjoy the poses without concern about doing
    the perfect pose.
8) Like with other work, we want the child to be successful in order to build
    self esteem, so the poses are modified and sequenced to give the child the
    tools to do them successfully.
9) There are three parts of a pose: going into a pose, being in the pose, and
    coming out of a pose with control. These correlate with carrying a piece of
    work from the shelf, using the work, and thoughtfully placing a work back
    on the shelf.

Some Benefits of Yoga With Children
1) Provides movement, stretches, and builds the muscles
2) Stimulates the internal organs to function properly
3) Helps the child calm and center himself in his body
4) Helps the child calm and center his mind
5) Increases the ability to focus and concentrate
6) Increases attention span
7) Increases awareness of the body
8) Reconnects the child to his body
9) Promotes a sense of well-being
10) Increases confidence and self-esteem
11) Builds peace from the inside
12) Helps the child cope with stress
13) Relax and sleep better
14) Improves digestion
15) Helps normalize weight

Available in blue and planetary purple

Ready-to-cut Yoga With Children Cards $30

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