Creating Patterns - Sun Salutation A
Patterns are everywhere. We see them in in math, nature, art, music, and literature. Patterns provide order and are noticed during the morning Breathe and Stretch Club. After learning the poses from the book Breathe and Stretch on the Beach, students create sequences. These learned patterns allow children to move with their breath and practice a moving meditation.
Below is a video of the club practicing the outlined Sun Salutation A pattern. In the yoga world, this is a sequence used at the beginning of many classes to warm the body. In school, this a fun repetitive pattern that helps children discover strength, flexibility, and focus. IGNITE YOUR BRAIN BY JOINING IN!
Breathe and Stretch on the Beach is an interactive listening and movement game that helps children build focus, confidence, calmness, and self-awareness through playful stretching and positive self-talk. Designed for ages 3 and up, this engaging resource can be used in the classroom, counseling groups, therapy settings, or at home by teachers, counselors, parents, and caregivers.
After learning the beach-themed poses, a leader calls out poses in any order, encouraging participants to listen carefully, move mindfully, and practice deep breathing, stretching, and relaxation. Children stay engaged while developing important social-emotional and self-regulation skills in a fun, active way.
Participants will:
Understand and practice controlled breathing
Respect personal space by moving safely without touching others
Strengthen self-control using nonverbal communication
Improve focus and attention
Increase self-awareness
Replace negative self-talk with positive self-talk
Build joy, strength, gratitude, and confidence
Each pose is paired with empowering affirmations so children can embody positive mindsets as they move. Examples include:
Coconut Tree, Eagle, Airplane – I am focused
Sports Boat, Charge Your Battery, Flying Fish – I am full of energy
Hurricane – I step aside for others
Crab – I let my light shine
Paddleboard – I am responsible for what I say, think, and do
Breathe and Stretch on the Beach is a joyful way to help children move their bodies, calm their minds, and grow strong from the inside out.