Annie Buckley

Depending on where you live, October might bring hot days or cool breezes. This month, we explore a different kind of weather—the shifting currents of our moods and feelings—through exercise and imaginative play inspired by animals.

For the whole family:
Body: Try the Gorilla pose together. Imagine you are in a jungle. Stand up tall and beat your chest with a loud gorilla shout! For balance, try creating a sleepy gorilla pose together. Let the Gorilla give way to creative movement inspired by other animals! Hop like a frog. Walk like a cat. Roar like a lion.

Mind: Exploring the sounds and movements of animals allows children to investigate different moods, feelings, and modes of expression. Add narrative by inventing stories for the animals. Start with the gorilla—what is its name? Where does your gorilla live? What does he or she like to do?

Heart: Extend the creative play all month by inventing storylines and simple masks for all the animals that inspire creative movement. Maybe your play will even lead to a fun and unique Halloween costume!
(Scroll down for more tips.)

Tips for mom, dads, and caregivers:
Check in with your family about daily exercise. If you’ve been keeping it up, what is positive about it? Is there anything you want to adapt or change? If it’s lagged behind, don’t worry! Pick it up again now. This month’s pose is a standing forward bend that stretches the back of the body and calms the mind.

As you fold forward, bend your knees, breathing out as you go. Notice the sensation in your legs and back. Stop when you feel the stretch, but before it becomes intense. If you want a deeper stretch, slowly straighten your legs. Hold the post for 5-10 deep but relaxed breaths. Shake your head gently from side to side. Cross your arms one way, and then the other. Imagine all your thoughts and worries, tension and anticipation, dropping away from your head and shoulders. To stand up, uncurl your spine slowly and let your head come up last. Add this pose to your morning stretch, or use it to help you unwind before bed.

For more information on Annie Buckley’s Kids Yoga Deck or Once Upon a Time: Creative Writing Fun for Kids, please see Chronicle Books.com or anniebuckley.com.