Use this exercise in the morning (just out of bed or before entering the classroom) or to transition back into the classroom, to benefitchildren who are “slow to start”, sleepy or low in energy.
Use this exercise to improve hamstring flexibility (which will assist children to complete the Caterpillar Crawl).
Instructions
Start standing
Put your hands on the opposite elbow (to make bat wings)
Bend forward at your waist, to hang upside down like a bat
Keep your knees as straight as you can
Hang here for 10 slow breaths
Watch Points
Legs as straight as possible
Slow breathing – not holding breath
Modifications
More Challenging
Multi-Sensory
Ball Skills
Fine Motor
Seated:
Move your feet forward to straighten your legs. Stretch your body out (towards the sky) and then bend over to touch your toes. Hold for at least 10 deep breaths
In the Bat Hang position, hold your ankles and gently pull your body closer to your legs.
Start standing, with your left foot crossed over the right. Do the Bat Hang with your legs crossed like this. Hold for 5-10 deep breaths, then switch legs.
Hang patiently like a bat hiding in its cave, for 10 deep breaths.
Then imagine the sun has set and it’s time to emerge from your cave.
Slowly stretch your wings and fly yourself back up to an upright position.
