Opposites Yoga: How to Teach Opposite Words through Movement
Learning opposite words is such an abstract concept for young children!
I remember having some opposite word flashcards when my daughter was a toddler. But she wasn’t particularly interested in looking at them. However, adding movement helped to make the concept of opposites more concrete.
If you’re looking to teach your children about opposites, while also having some fun learning through movement, check out these yoga poses for kids below.
Opposite Words Yoga Poses for Kids
These six yoga poses below practice three sets of opposite words. Feel free to use your creativity and add your own opposite poses, as well. Or check out our Opposite Yoga Cards for Kids for ten sets of opposite words.
Opposite set #1: Forward/Backward
ForwardHow to practice Child’s Pose: Sit on your heels, slowly bring your forehead down to rest on the floor in front of your knees, rest your arms down alongside your body, and take a few deep breaths. |  |
BackwardHow to practice Knees to Chest: Lie on your back, bend your knees, and hug them close to your chest. |  |
Opposite set #2: Straight/Bent
StraightHow 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. |  |
BentHow to practice Head to Knee Forward Bend: Sit in an L position with your legs out in front of you and your feet flexed. Bend your left knee and place your left foot on the inside of your right thigh. Exhale and bend forward over your right knee. Keeping a straight spine, reach for your right foot. Hold the pose for a few breaths. Bring your torso back up straight and extend your left leg. Switch sides and repeat the steps. |  |
Opposite set #3: Up/Down
UpHow to practice Boat Pose: Balance on your buttocks with your arms and legs straight out in front of you, in a V shape. Keep a straight spine and open chest. |  |
DownHow to practice Downward-Facing Dog Pose: Step back to your hands and feet in an upside-down V shape, with your buttocks up in the air. |  |
Check Out Our Opposites Yoga Cards for Kids
Learn opposites such as forward and backward, above and below, and front and back through colorful and engaging yoga positions.
Download these Opposites Yoga Cards to learn through movement in your home, classroom, or studio.
The deck includes an index card, pose instructions, 20 yoga pose cards, and 20 matching opposites cards.
Download these adorable cards here.
PIN IT FOR LATER
May We Also Suggest… Toddler Yoga Pack
SIX YOGA BOOKS JUST FOR TODDLERS!
Get your toddler doing yoga through these colorful, fun and interactive yoga books.
Say good night to the animals of the world through calming yoga poses for kids. Join Maria as she explores the ocean with her granddad. Say good day to the magical island of Bali through energizing yoga poses for kids. Learn the alphabet by acting out Australian animals or count to 15 with African animals on the savanna. Learn gratitude with a grateful giraffe.
Fun interactive yoga books perfect for toddlers!
Age group: Preschoolers, ages 2 to 5.
The Toddler Yoga Books Pack includes:
– 123 African Safari
– The Grateful Giraffe
– Good Night, Animal World
– Maria Explores the Ocean
– Hello, Bali
– The ABC’s of Australian Animals
Purchase Your Toddler Yoga Pack here.
