Recently, my 5 year old son's Kindergarten teacher asked if I could create some movement for the their morning routine; a few exercises that the kindergartners could do before they begin their day of learning. I was very excited to do this as I feel that today's school routines do not permit for children to move much at all. In Los Angeles schools, most kids get PE only once a week. Pilates in a morning routine could greatly enhance the children's physical lifes. Exercise in children can help focus their minds and and get them calm so they can stay focused throughout their day.

We have 18, 5 and 6 year olds in our class and the carpet area is not too big. So, I had to devise a routine that the children could do with out running into one another and simple enough for them to follow. My main goal was to get the children to become aware of their bodies in space, learn how to breath and become conscious of breath as well as have fun. We began with vertical movements,

like Knee Lifts, Standing Spine Twists and Side Stretches. We also incorporated Spine Rolls forward, Seated Walks, balancing like a Ball, Ankles Rolls, slouching and sitting tall movements. I was amazed at the seriousness which these Kindergartners did their movements, and the wide eyes and calmness when we were finished. I heard giggles at the mention of tushy and lots of smiles as they sat tall up out of their waists. 

At dinner time, we asked my son how school was that day. "No one was on red today, everyone got a green card". I asked if he and his friends liked to the new morning routine?  He said, "you mean we get to do that everyday?". Big smile!

I also heard later, from other parents, that their children have been practicing their breath, have showed their parents how they can sit tall and have even taken a couple of them through the movements.

Joseph Pilates would be so proud to see these kids starting their day this way!