Breath of Joy: A quick and effective yoga activity for kids

My wife, Neila Steele, is an elementary school teacher, but for years has also been a certified Yoga instructor. I have seen her teach yoga to children and adults for well over ten years now and have learned so many excellent activities and techniques that I can apply in PE and that classroom teachers can use as well. One of the techniques that she has consistently used over the years has been the 'Breath of Joy'. I have seen that the effects of doing the 'Breath of Joy' are immediate with everyone who has ever tried it. I have used the photo on the left as it represents the circulatory system and shows how the respiratory system is directly linked to it. The breath of joy has instantaneous effects on both of these body systems and can enhance learning in the classroom when used consistently over time. 

This activity is a wonderful way for kids (and adults!) to rejuvenate themselves, get oxygen flowing, and to stimulate the muscles and the mind back into action. This is a perfect go-to-strategy when our students have been seated for any length of time and is amazingly simple. Very little space is needed to complete breath of joy cycles.Thanks to my wife, Neila, for sharing her video of doing the 'Breath of Joy' with her grade 4 students. 


As you watch the video, keep in mind the pattern of breathing is 3 quick snorts of breath in, as you simultaneously move your arms in unison. The cycle is completed by a hard and complete exhale and folding of the body forward over bent and soft knees. Good luck with it!

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