Little yogis bring International Yoga Day to Jimboomba
Bending, stretching and reaching for the stars is taking on a whole new purpose for a group of Jimboomba kids doing yoga in their early development.
From deep breaths to downward dogs, the youngsters are embracing movement and mindfulness at the Queensland Childcare Services (QCCS) Hills Early Learning Centre in Jimboomba as part of their regular routine.
With International Yoga Day on Sunday 21 June held to encourage all ages to try yoga, QCCS General Manager Laura Faalili says it’s the perfect opportunity to highlight how helpful yoga has become for young children in Logan.
Ms Faalili says yoga is playing a critical role in supporting children’s early development, by offering a guided, fun and engaging way for children to develop healthy habits that support their overall wellbeing and growth.
‘At QCCS centres, yoga is central to children’s daily routines, teaching foundational motor skills and emotional regulation,’ she says.
‘Yoga helps children develop a positive connection between their minds and bodies through improved coordination and self-awareness.
‘Our educators observe children becoming more focused and capable of managing their emotions after participating in yoga sessions. These experiences complement our broader commitment to fostering healthy bodies and minds.’
She says the sessions are designed to help children build body awareness and develop strategies for managing emotions and navigating everyday challenges.
QCCS Hills Early Learning Centre Director Charlotte Leahy says yoga has become a powerful tool for helping children to reset and refocus throughout the day.
‘Children often tell us they feel calmer, happier, and more ready to learn after yoga, and we see that reflected in their engagement with learning experiences afterwards,’ Ms Leahy says.
‘Yoga gives them a safe and enjoyable way to move their bodies and build confidence in their physical abilities. It’s a simple practice, but it makes a meaningful difference.’
Ms Faalili says implementing yoga supports QCCS’s Healthy Bodies program by helping children to build strong motor skills and positive physical habits.
Alongside yoga, she says QCCS incorporates mindfulness and emotional-wellbeing practices to help children self-soothe and reconnect with the world around them, such as ‘Dadirri’, a sacred Indigenous form of deep listening and contemplation.
For more details visit the QCCS website.