10 Animal Yoga Poses for Preschoolers (With Easy Cues for Educators)
Animal poses are the heart of yoga for young children. They are easy to remember, fun to act out and perfect for building strength, balance and imagination. Here are ten animal yoga poses educators can use any time, with simple cues that work for children aged 2 to 6.
Before You Start
Clear a space so every child can stretch their arms out without touching a friend. Bare feet are best for grip. Keep it playful, make the animal noises and let children try their own version of each pose. There is no wrong way to be a frog.
1. Dog
Hands and feet on the floor, bottom up high like a triangle. Wag the tail and give a little bark. Builds arm and shoulder strength.
2. Cat
On hands and knees, round the back up high like a scared cat and let out a "meow". Great for spine mobility.
3. Cobra
Lie on the tummy, hands under the shoulders, gently lift the chest and hiss like a snake. Strengthens the back.
4. Frog
Squat low with knees wide and hands on the floor, then jump up and land back in a squat. Ribbit. Brilliant for leg strength and burning off energy.
5. Flamingo
Stand on one leg, tuck the other foot up and stretch the arms out like wings. Count how long you can balance, then swap legs.
6. Butterfly
Sit tall with the soles of the feet together and flap the knees like wings. Add a story about where the butterfly is flying today.
7. Lion
Kneel and sit back on the heels. Take a big breath in, then open the mouth wide, stick out the tongue and roar. A fun release for big feelings.
8. Bear Walk
Walk on hands and feet with straight arms and legs, moving slowly like a big bear. Builds coordination and whole body strength.
9. Crocodile
Lie on the tummy with arms stretched forward, then open and close the arms like a snapping crocodile mouth.
10. Sleeping Bunny
Kneel, fold forward and rest the forehead on the floor with arms by the sides. A gentle way to slow down at the end of a session.
Turn the Poses Into a Story
Children engage far more when poses are part of an adventure. Try a jungle walk: we tiptoe past a sleeping lion, hop across the river like frogs, crawl through the long grass like a cat and spot a flamingo on one leg. Finish with everyone curled up as sleeping bunnies and a few slow breaths.
What Children Gain
These simple poses build gross motor skills, balance, core strength and body awareness, while the stories support language, imagination and listening. Ending with a calm pose and breathing helps children practise settling their bodies, which links directly to EYLF Outcome 3, children have a strong sense of wellbeing.
Want an Expert to Lead It?
Yoga Bears teachers bring these poses to life every week in childcare centres and kindys across Australia, with programs for children from 6 months to 6 years. See our childcare yoga incursions or contact us to book.
