Human Body Yoga for Kids: 5 Fun Poses and Books for Early Elementary
Teaching young children about the human body can be both fun and meaningful when we combine movement and books.
Picture this: you’re introducing a human body unit to your preschool or early elementary students. On display are engaging props like an Anatomy Apron, a Human Anatomy Coloring Book, and a model of the human body to spark curiosity.
The bookshelf is filled with picture books that celebrate our amazing bodies. You gather your class, read one of the books aloud, and then invite your students to act out what they’ve learned—moving their arms, legs, eyes, noses, and tummies through playful yoga postures.
5 Human Body Yoga Poses
Below are five simple yoga postures to bring your human body lesson to life. (For even more ideas and images, check out our My Body Yoga Cards resource.)
1. Notice your arms.
How to practice Extended Mountain Pose: Stand tall in Mountain Pose. Inhale, look up, and raise your arms straight up to the sky. Notice the length of your arms.
2. Notice your legs.
How to practice Extended Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose: From a standing position, bend your right knee toward your chest. Grab your right big toe with your right hand and place your left hand on your left hip. Extend your right leg out to the side, straightening the leg as much as possible. Hold this pose for a few breaths then bring your leg down slowly. Notice the flexibility of your legs. Switch sides and repeat the steps.
3. Notice your eyes.
How to practice Warrior 2 Pose: Start in a standing position. Step one foot back, bend your front knee, and open your hips to the side. Then reach both arms up, parallel to your legs, and look over your front fingertips. Make sure your front knee is bent forward so that your knee is over your ankle. Now bring your focus to your shoulder, along your arm, your fingertips, and then out beyond. Do that a few times to train your eyes to focus on close to you, nearby you, and far away. Switch sides and repeat the steps.
4. Notice your nose.
How to practice Easy Pose: Sit cross-legged and rest your palms on your knees. Close your eyes, if you are comfortable doing so. Take a few deep breaths and relax your body. Inhale deeply, followed by a long, slow exhalation with your mouth closed. Feel the sensation of your breath coming out of your nose.
5. Notice your tummy.
How to practice Resting Pose: Lie on your back with your arms and legs stretched out. Breathe and rest. Place a stuffed animal (or your hand) on your tummy. Feel the rise and fall of your tummy as your breath ebbs and flows.
5 Books that Celebrate Our Bodies
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These books celebrate the uniqueness of our bodies and are perfect for a SEL lesson on acceptance and inclusion.
Some Bodies
by Sophie Kennen, illustrated by Airin O’Callagan
A lively exploration of how all bodies are different and wonderful, helping children embrace body diversity and kindness. Ages 4–8.
Every Body: A Celebration of Diverse Abilities
by Shelley Rotner
Features real photographs showcasing children with different abilities, highlighting inclusion and empathy. Ages 4–8.
Bodies are Cool
by Tyler Feder
A colorful and affirming look at all the amazing ways bodies can look, move, and feel, encouraging self-love. Ages 3–7.
All Kinds of Bodies
by Judith Heneghan, illustrated by Ayesha Rubio and Jenny Palmer
Shares that every body is unique, emphasizing acceptance and celebrating differences. Ages 4–8.
B is for Bellies: A Celebration of Every Body
by Rennie Dyball, illustrated by Mia Saine
An alphabet book that joyfully celebrates all kinds of bodies and the things they can do. Ages 3–7.
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Other Human Body Books for Kids
These titles also pair beautifully with yoga lessons to spark curiosity about the body and its functions:
Your Fantastic Elastic Brain
by JoAnn Deak, illustrated by Sarah Ackerley
Introduces children to how their brains grow and change, a great tie-in to mindfulness and growth mindset. Ages 5–10.
A Garden in Your Belly: Meet the Microbes in Your Gut
by Masha D’Yans
Explores gut health and microbes in a playful way, connecting to mindful eating and wellness practices. Ages 4–8.
My Five Senses
by Aliki
A classic book about our senses, perfect to pair with sensory-focused yoga activities. Ages 3–7.
Give Me Back My Bones!
by Kim Norman, illustrated by Bob Kolar
A rhyming, humorous look at bones and skeletons, ideal for a yoga unit about body structure. Ages 4–8.
Here Are My Hands
by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, illustrated by Ted Rand
Celebrates body parts and their uses, great for movement-based learning. Ages 2–6.
Nose to Toes, You Are Yummy!
by Tim Harrington
A fun, silly celebration of the whole body that invites playful yoga movement. Ages 2–6.
Me and My Amazing Body
by Joan Sweeney, illustrated by Edward Miller
Introduces basic anatomy concepts for young learners in an accessible way. Ages 4–8.
Inside Your Outside: All About the Human Body
by Tish Rabe, illustrated by Aristides Ruiz
A Cat in the Hat Learning Library book that explores the human body with rhymes and humor, great for interactive yoga fun. Ages 4–8.
Pairing movement with stories makes this exploration of the human body even more meaningful! By weaving together yoga and children’s books, we can help children connect with and appreciate their bodies while promoting mindfulness, self-awareness, and inclusion.
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