Happy Independence Day!
We have been living in our adopted country of United States for over eleven years now and finally getting into the groove of the July 4th cookout. Given that my hubby is Australian, we love the idea of an all-day barbecue. I’d love to share some Independence Day for kids yoga sequences, yoga cards, books, and activities to celebrate this special day.
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Independence Day for Kids Yoga
Idea #1 | Kids Yoga Poses Inspired by a Book
A kids yoga sequence inspired by M is for Majestic: A National Parks Alphabet by David Domeniconi and Pam Carroll.
The postures are in a specific sequence to invite flow from one pose to the next. Feel free to add or skip any of the poses, depending on the age and engagement of your children. This list is simply a guide to give you inspiration and creativity is encouraged. Simply clear a space, wear comfortable clothing, and give it a go!
12 Kids Yoga Poses Inspired by M is for Majestic: A National Parks Alphabet
1. Lighthouse in Acadia National Park – Mountain Pose
How to practice Mountain Pose: Stand tall with your legs hip-width apart and feet facing forward. Take your arms straight alongside your body. Pretend to be the lighthouse.
2. Yucca Tree in Joshua Tree National Park – Tree Pose
How to practice Tree Pose: Stand on one leg. Bend the knee of the leg you are not standing on, place the sole of your foot on the opposite inner thigh or calf (just not on your knee), and balance. Switch sides and repeat the steps. Pretend to be a yucca tree.
3. Free-Tailed Bat in Carlsbad Caverns National Park – Standing Forward Bend
How to practice Standing Forward Bend: Stand tall with legs hip-width apart, feet facing forward, and straighten your arms alongside your body. Bend your upper body and reach for your toes. Pretend to be a bat.
4. Polar Bear in Glacier Bay National Park – Downward-Facing Dog Pose
How to practice Downward-Facing Dog Pose: From all fours, lift your knees to an upside-down V-shape, with your buttocks up in the air. Ensure that your palms are flat on the ground and that your spine and legs are straight. Press your heels toward the ground and look back through your legs. Pretend to be a bear.
5. Roadrunner in Big Bend National Park – Pigeon Pose
How to practice Pigeon Pose: From an all-fours position, bring your right knee to rest behind your right hand, angling your right foot slightly inward. Gently take your buttocks down to the ground with your left leg extended straight out behind you. You might try placing a block under your right thigh. Keep your palms flat on the ground on either side of your right knee, look forward, keeping a straight spine. Pretend to be a roadrunner. Repeat on the other side.
6. Timber Wolf in Isle Royale National Park – Cat Pose
How to practice Cat Pose: On all fours, round your back and tuck your chin into your chest. Pretend to be a wolf and howl.
7. Humpback Whale near Channel Islands National Park – Bow Pose
How to practice Bow Pose: Lie on your tummy, bend your knees, lift your chest, reach your arms back toward your toes, and hold on to your feet. Pretend to be a humpback whale gliding through the water.
8. Snowshoe Rabbit in North Cascades National Park – Hero’s Pose with Bunny Breath
How to practice Hero’s Pose with Bunny Breath: Come to rest upright on your heels with your palms resting on your knees and take four to six short breaths then a long exhale to pretend to be a rabbit
9. Prairie Dog in Wind Cave National Park – Kneeling Pose
How to practice Kneeling Pose: Kneel on your knees, open your chest, and take your arms down alongside your body. Look around and pretend to be a prairie dog.
10. Bighorn Sheep in Rocky Mountain National Park – Seated Twist
How to practice Seated Twist: Start by sitting cross-legged, bend your right knee, and place your right foot behind your left knee. Check that your spine is straight and your right foot is flat on the ground. Twist your upper body to the right. Take your left elbow to your right knee and your right hand back behind you. Pretend to be a sheep. Repeat on the other side.
11. Sea Turtle in Dry Tortugas National Park – Extended Child’s Pose
How to practice Extended Child’s Pose: Sit on your heels, slowly bring your forehead down to rest in front of your knees, place the palms of your hands flat out in front of you, and take a few deep breaths. Pretend to be a sea turtle.
12. Star-Gazing from a Mountain Top – Resting Pose
How to practice Resting Pose: Lie on your back with your arms and legs stretched out. Breathe and rest. Pretend to be a stargazing.
Idea #2 | Seven Sun Salutes Inspired By the Southwest of the United States
Several years ago, our family went on a six week RV road trip around the Southwest of the United States.
Here are 7 Sun Salutes inspired by the Southwest to practice at your 4th of July cookout.
Idea #3: Download Your Fourth of July Yoga Cards for Kids
Pretend to be the Statue of Liberty, sparkly fireworks, and a baseball player!
Download these Fourth of July digital yoga cards to learn through movement in your home, classroom, or studio. This package Includes a helpful index, quick tips, practice guide, 18 Yoga Pose cards, and 18 matching Fourth of July cards.
Celebrate all the joy that 4th of July can bring!
Download the Fourth of July Yoga Cards for Kids.
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