Picture a room full of little ones pretending to be trees swaying in the wind, cats stretching after a nap, or butterflies fluttering around a garden. This is early years yoga, and it's transforming how young children learn to move, focus, and understand their emotions.

Why Yoga Works for Little Ones

Yoga isn't about perfect poses or staying still for ages (let's be honest, that's not happening with toddlers!). It's about playful movement, breathing, and discovering what their amazing bodies can do.

For children aged 2 to 5, yoga offers something truly special. At this age, their brains are developing at lightning speed, and movement actually helps build the connections that support learning. When a child balances on one foot like a flamingo or curls up small like a hibernating hedgehog, they're not just having fun. They're developing body awareness, improving their balance, and building strength.

But the benefits go far beyond the physical. Yoga gives young children tools to manage big emotions. A simple breathing exercise can help a frustrated toddler calm down. A stretching routine can help an excited preschooler settle before storytime. These aren't just useful skills for the nursery setting, they're life skills that children will carry with them forever.

What Makes Early Years Yoga Different?

Early years yoga looks nothing like an adult yoga class. There are no long holds, no complicated sequences, and definitely no silence! Instead, it's full of stories, animal sounds, giggles, and imagination.

Sessions might include pretending to be a jungle full of animals, taking a magical journey through space, or helping a friendly dragon learn to breathe fire (with breathing exercises, of course). The yoga poses are woven into the story, so children stay engaged and excited throughout.

Music and songs play a big part too. A catchy tune about stretching tall like a giraffe or making yourself small like a mouse helps children remember the movements and makes the whole experience joyful.

Real Benefits for Your Setting

Nursery educators who've introduced yoga into their settings notice remarkable changes. Children who struggle to sit still during circle time find it easier to focus. Those who find it hard to express their feelings start using the breathing techniques they've learned. Physical skills like balance and coordination improve naturally through regular practice.

There's also something wonderful about the way yoga brings children together. When a whole group moves through poses together, copying each other and cheering each other on, it builds a real sense of community. Shy children often blossom in yoga sessions because there's no pressure to perform or compete.

Perfect for Your Daily Routine

One of the best things about early years yoga is how easily it fits into your existing routine. A 15 to 20 minute session works brilliantly as a morning energiser, a midday movement break, or a calming activity before rest time. You can even use quick yoga breaks throughout the day, a one minute breathing exercise here, a few stretches there.

Many settings find that starting the day with yoga helps children transition from home to nursery. It gives them a chance to move their bodies, release any nervous energy, and arrive at their learning activities feeling centred and ready.

Try It With BEAM ACADEMY

This is where BEAM ACADEMY comes in. We specialise in bringing high quality, age appropriate yoga sessions to early years settings across the UK. Our instructors understand young children inside and out. They know how to keep toddlers engaged, how to adapt sessions for different abilities, and how to make every child feel successful.

Each BEAM Academy session is carefully designed around themes that little ones love, from under the sea adventures to trips to the farm. We provide all the resources you need, including ideas for extending the learning back in the classroom.

Special offer for new settings: We're so confident your children will love yoga that we're offering new nurseries 50% off their first term. It's the perfect chance to see the magic of early years yoga in action, with no long term commitment required.

What Parents Love

Parents notice the benefits too. Children start demonstrating their new yoga poses at home, teaching their families the calming breaths they've learned, and talking excitedly about their yoga sessions. Some parents tell us their children now use breathing techniques at bedtime or when they feel worried.

It's also reassuring for parents to know their children are developing physical skills in a safe, non competitive environment. Yoga meets children exactly where they are, with no pressure and plenty of praise.

Getting Started Is Easy

Introducing yoga to your setting doesn't require any special equipment or training. With BEAM Academy, we take care of everything. We bring the expertise, the lesson plans, and the enthusiasm. All you need is a space where children can move freely, and you're ready to go.

Many settings start with one session per week and find the children ask for more. The beauty of working with BEAM Academy is the flexibility. We can adapt to your schedule, your space, and your children's needs.

The Long Term Impact

The skills children develop through early years yoga stay with them. They learn that they can calm themselves down when upset. They discover that their bodies are strong and capable. They understand that practice helps them improve. These lessons support their wellbeing and development long after they've left your setting.

In a world where young children face increasing pressures and screen time, yoga offers something refreshingly simple: time to move, breathe, play, and just be children.

Take the Next Step

Ready to bring the benefits of early years yoga to your nursery? With 50% off your first term, there's never been a better time to try BEAM Academy. Your children will love the adventure, your staff will appreciate the support, and you'll wonder how you ever managed without it.

Contact BEAM ACADEMY today to book your first session and watch your little yogis flourish. You can reach out via email on [email protected]