Creating Opportunities for Physical Activity & Mindful Movement in Early Childhood

In a world that moves quickly, children too often get swept up in the hustle. Structured routines, and packed schedules can unintentionally limit the very thing young bodies and minds need most—movement. Physical activity isn't just about burning energy; it's about fostering healthy growth, emotional regulation, and mental wellbeing. At Education from the Heart, we believe in embedding meaningful movement into the everyday rhythm of early childhood settings. Whether it’s through dance, nature walks, or stretching in between activities, mindful movement creates space for children to reconnect with themselves, regulate emotions, and build healthy habits for life.

Why Physical Activity Matters

From as early as toddlerhood, movement plays a critical role in a child’s development. It helps build:

• Gross and fine motor skills

• Spatial awareness and coordination

• Social skills through group play and movement games

• Confidence and independence as children explore their physical capabilities
  
  

But it’s not just physical benefits we’re after. Movement is also a powerful tool for promoting mental and emotional wellbeing.

 

The Power of Mindful Movement

Mindful movement combines physical activity with focus, breath, and body awareness. It helps children:

• Learn how to calm their bodies and minds

• Practice self-awareness

• Develop tools for self-regulation
  
  

And the best part? You don’t need a fancy setup or loads of time to incorporate it.

 

Introducing: Dino Yoga

One of the most-loved mindful movement activities from our Education from the Heart platform is Dino Yoga—a playful and engaging yoga session designed especially for young children.

Through Dino Yoga, children:

• Roar like T-Rexes (and then practice calming down)

• Stretch tall like Brachiosauruses

• Curl up like dino eggs and practice deep breathing
  
  

Each pose is paired with a simple emotion-based reflection, encouraging kids to explore how they feel before and after moving. The result? A beautifully balanced activity that nurtures both body and heart.

Teachers and parents alike tell us that Dino Yoga quickly becomes a classroom favorite—and we’ve seen firsthand how it supports children in feeling more grounded, more connected, and ready to learn.

 

Easy Ways to Integrate Movement Into the Day

• Movement stations in your classroom or home

• Morning stretches during circle time

• Dance breaks between transitions

• Outdoor play with a mindful twist—focus on how the wind feels, how your feet land on the ground

• Regular Dino Yoga sessions from the Education from the Heart library
  
  

Creating opportunities for physical activity and mindful movement doesn't require a huge shift—it just takes intention. By embedding movement moments into your day, you're giving children the gift of body awareness, emotional literacy, and joyful learning.

Want to try Dino Yoga with your little ones? Download two of the poses to use with your children & students, or sign up for a free trial of Education from the Heart Platform. 

Let’s move with meaning—because education should always come from the heart.