Dear Powerful You Friends,
As educators we continuously learn and grow by working with children. Giving kids an opportunity to teach a new pose during emotional wellness lessons always creates new ideas. This video was inspired by one of my kindergarten student who loves coconut trees. He asked, “Mrs. Frizzi, can we make a pose from a seed growing to a coconut tree?” Later I taught this same pose to middle school children who loved it just as much! I think you will enjoy this movement, too! Join me. Thanks to my yoga teacher, Hanna Riley, for teaching me how to move mindfully!
The Tree of Life
Gifts from the Coconut Tree
Drink – A young coconut contains high levels of refreshing water.
Weave – The fiber of the husk can be used to make ropes, hats, mats, brushes, and sacks.
Heat – Coconut husks ignite a fuel that fires up grills all over the world.
Repel – Burning coconut husks is used as a mosquito repellent.
Build – Coconut timber is used to make doors, window frames, and walls.
Eat – This fruit is full of vitamin C, E, and B1. It also contains fibers and minerals that keep you healthy.
Art:
Math: A full grown coconut weighs about three pounds. How much would 10 coconuts weigh?
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.
Music and Language -