CACFP Fit
Always an Adventure
 In this hectic world, we all look for ways to calm and recharge our lives. One of the most beneficial aspects of yoga is learning to use the breath (called pranayama). The child care classroom day is a wonderful time to connect with the breath, helping children learn to relax, be calm and focused. While breathing deeply fuels the body with oxygen energy; using the deep belly breathing turns on the relaxed nervous system. All children can learn how to be still focusing on the breath as the belly rises and falls. Begin your classroom journey by incorporating focused breathing into daytime child care routines such as mealtimes, circle or transitions. Quieting the mind, establishing peacefulness and even managing emotions, are the special benefits received by practicing breathing exercises At other times, explore and discover breaths that pair with fun yoga poses such as bunny, bee or balloon breath. One of my favorite final yoga activities is have each child practice belly breathing by floating a rubber ducky (from my collection of rubber duckies) on their belly as they breath. They can watch the ducky float up and down with each inhale and exhale. During the day, make time for practicing the breath. Help children establish the tool that will assist in managing their feelings and stress. As a resource, check out breathing exercise suggestions and cards with pictures and directions available at : https://www.kidsyogastories.com/breathing-exercises-for-kids/  Doris Fredericks
After a 37 year career in child nutrition and CACFP, Ms. Fredericks has been practicing and applying Healthy Living for the past 4 years through nutrition, yoga and general wellness. As a 500 hour RYT Doris teaches yoga classes for all ages and as a Certified Health and Wellness coach and provides support for individual healthy behavior changes. Doris Fredericks, MEd, RDN, RYT Healthy Living: Nutrition, Yoga Certified Health and Wellness Coach 408-966-6111
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