21 October 2025
As parents, caregivers, and educators, we all want the best for our little ones. We want them to be healthy, happy, and well-adjusted. One simple yet powerful way to support their well-being is by introducing mindful movement into their daily routines.
But how do you introduce mindful movement to preschoolers in a way that keeps them engaged and excited? After all, we’re talking about energetic little humans who love to wiggle, run, and explore!
In this guide, we’ll dive into fun, practical, and easy ways to integrate mindful movement into your preschooler’s day—without making it feel like a chore.
Mindful movement combines physical activity with mindfulness practice. It encourages kids to be fully present while they move their bodies. Instead of just running around aimlessly, they engage in gentle, intentional movements that help them connect with their breathing, emotions, and senses.
Think of it as a mix between yoga, stretching, and playful movement—designed in a way that feels natural and fun for young children.
It’s true—preschoolers are naturally energetic. But mindful movement isn’t just about physical exercise. It also helps improve:
- Emotional regulation – Helps children manage big feelings and calm themselves.
- Focus and attention – Encourages mindfulness, making it easier for kids to concentrate.
- Body awareness – Teaches them to understand their body's movements and limits.
- Social skills – Provides an opportunity to practice patience, cooperation, and empathy.
- Sleep quality – Gentle, mindful movements can help reduce restlessness before bedtime.
Now that we understand the benefits, let's explore how to make mindful movement a natural part of your preschooler’s routine.
- Belly Breathing: Have them place one hand on their belly and the other on their chest. Ask them to take slow, deep breaths and notice how their belly moves.
- Blowing Bubbles: Give them a bubble wand and encourage slow, deep breaths to blow big bubbles. This naturally slows down their breathing.
- Animal Breaths: Pretend to be animals! Take slow, deep breaths like a sleepy bear or short, quick breaths like a buzzing bee.
- Tree Pose: Have them stand on one foot and place the other foot against their leg. Encourage them to sway like a tree in the wind.
- Cat-Cow Stretch: Get on all fours and arch the back like a cat, then dip the belly like a cow.
- Butterfly Pose: Sit with feet together and knees out, then "flap wings" like a butterfly.
- Downward Dog: Form an upside-down "V" shape with hands and feet on the ground—pretend to be a stretching puppy!
Keep it lighthearted and allow them to use their imagination while trying the poses.
- Freeze Dance: Play music and have them dance around. When the music stops, ask them to pause, take a deep breath, and notice how their body feels.
- Slow Motion Dancing: Encourage them to move super slowly to the beat, paying attention to each movement.
- Emotion Dance: Have them express different emotions through movement—jump when happy, sway when sleepy, or stomp when frustrated!
Music and movement go hand in hand, making mindfulness feel like a game rather than a lesson.
- The way their feet feel on the ground.
- The sound of birds or rustling leaves.
- The colors and shapes they see around them.
- The feeling of fresh air on their skin.
This simple activity helps preschoolers stay present and engaged with their surroundings while getting gentle movement.
- Pretend to be animals: Crawl like a bear, hop like a frog, or slither like a snake.
- Journey through nature: Walk through an imaginary jungle, climb an invisible mountain, or swim like a fish.
- Act out everyday tasks: Pretend to scoop up the sun, stretch like a rainbow, or pick apples from a tree.
By weaving movement into fun stories, preschoolers stay captivated while engaging in mindful movement.
- Reach for the Stars: Stretch arms up high, reaching for imaginary stars.
- Toe Touches: Slowly bend down and touch toes, breathing deeply.
- Gentle Twists: Sit cross-legged and twist side-to-side.
- Hug Yourself: Wrap arms around the body and give a big self-hug.
This calming routine can help ease restlessness and prepare them for a good night’s sleep.
- How does your body feel right now?
- What movement did you enjoy the most?
- What is something you’re thankful for today?
Teaching preschoolers to reflect helps them develop emotional awareness and appreciation for movement.
- Keep it short and sweet: Preschoolers have short attention spans, so aim for 5-10 minutes at a time.
- Make it playful, not perfect: It’s okay if they don’t do it "right"—as long as they're engaged and having fun.
- Engage with them: Participate in the movements alongside them to model enthusiasm.
- Use visuals: Show pictures or use props like scarves, stuffed animals, or yoga cards.
- Be patient: Some days they'll be eager, some days they won’t—just go with the flow!
So go ahead—make it fun, keep it simple, and enjoy the journey together!
all images in this post were generated using AI tools
Category:
Early Childhood EducationAuthor:
Madeleine Newton