This is how I start all my kids yoga classes...

SHARK FIN BREATH 🦈

This breathing exercise works like an absolute charm to engage children at the start of a class and get them ready for yoga.

Shark fin breath is a mindful breathing exercise to centre the little ones and bring them into the present moment, as well as teach them they have the ability to self-regulate, and use their breath to change the way they feel. It incorporates both sound and movement, it engages their senses and encourages a long exhalation, therefore shifting their nervous system to a more restful state. We can make better decisions and take in new information when our mind and body are calm.

It honestly works like magic to centre the children at the start of class. It helps them arrive and land on the mat and in their bodies. As soon as my shark fin is up, they know we are starting the session.

I teach many children weekly, and majority of the children will have their shark fin ready as soon as they sit on the mat, and before I have even started the class.

I have little yogis as young as 18 months imitating me and doing this with eyes closed and a smile on their face. The cutest thing to witness.

Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate.

HOW TO DO SHARK FIN BREATH -

The 5 S’s

• Sitting Straight

• Sitting Still

• Sitting Silently

• Shut Your Eyes

• Softly Breathe

The Shark Fin - thumb on your third eye (in between your eyebrows) fingers straight and pointing up.

• With your shark fin at your third eye say "Sitting Straight".

• Slide your shark fin to your nose and say "Sitting Still".

• Slide your shark fin to your heart and say "Sitting Silently".

• Then shut your eyes & softly breathe.

• Bring your shark fin back to your third eye. Breathe in and as you breathe out, say "SHHHHHHHH" as you slowly slide your shark fin down the front of your face all the way to down to your heart. It is like you’re making the sound of the ocean as you exhale.

• Repeat at least 3 times. Notice how it makes you feel.

✨Feedback from parents

Mother of 4 yo: “I’ve seen him doing shark fin in the back seat of the car on the way to day care. It helps him so much and in turn, it helps me”. 💚

Mother of 2.5yo: “He has been using shark fin breath when he feels a bit ‘ahhhhh’ (big emotions)”. 🧡

Have you tried this before ? Let me know your thoughts ✨