Balance and Stretch Yoga Cards: Free Printable Card Set for Reception
Balance and Stretch Yoga Cards is a free printable card set for Reception (reception | ages 4 to 5), in Early Years Foundation Stage. Animal poses to try. It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, a growing library of free printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795.
It is two A4 pages. Page 1 is the activity for children. Page 2 is for the grown-up: it has notes on how to use the sheet, help for children who find it hard, and a stretch idea. Print it at home or in the classroom. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
This card set includes cards to cut out and use.
A look at what children will meet:
- Tree: stand tall on one leg
- Cat: arch your back
- Snake: lie on your tummy and lift your chest
- Butterfly: feet together, knees wide
- Frog: squat low
- Dog: bottom up high
- Mountain: stand tall and still
- Bird: stretch out your arms
Who this is for
Reception (reception | ages 4 to 5) in Early Years Foundation Stage.
The Early Years Foundation Stage runs from birth to the end of Reception, up to age 5. Children learn best through play, talk and hands-on activity, so this sheet is designed to be shared with a grown-up. Use it at home, in class, on a rainy afternoon or at a family gathering.
What children practise
- Balance
- Stretching
- Body control
Children practise balance and gentle stretching through simple animal poses.
Learning focus and curriculum link
Subject: PE. Key stage: Early Years Foundation Stage. It supports the subject at this level through short, focused practice.
This sheet is a practice and play activity. It supports classroom learning and is not a replacement for it.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for the child. Keep page 2 for the grown-up.
- 1 child with a grown-up. Play time 10 minutes. Move slowly and stop if it feels uncomfortable.
- Work through the activity together the first time. Talk about each choice.
- Check against the notes on page 2.
- Come back to it another day. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence.
If it feels too hard
Show the pose and help with balance.
To stretch confident children
Hold each pose for 5 slow breaths.
Make it a game
Make up an animal pose of your own.
Tips for parents and teachers
- Print on plain A4 paper. Black and white printing works too.
- Work through it together the first time, then let children try alone.
- Praise effort and thinking, not only correct answers.
A screen-free pe activity for Reception
Children spend a lot of time on screens. This is a screen-free pe activity that needs only paper and a pencil. It works as quiet time after school, a rainy day activity, a holiday boredom buster or a calm moment before bed. Screen-free learning gives eyes a rest and gets children talking, thinking and writing by hand.
Free pe resources for teachers
Teachers can use this card set as a starter, a plenary, an early finisher task, a supply teacher resource, a homework task or a table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing. The learning focus and skills are listed above so you can match it to your planning, and page 2 gives support and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups.
PE ideas for parents at home
You do not need to be a teacher to use this. Read the sheet through, sit with your child for the first go and let them lead. Short bursts of ten to fifteen minutes work better than long sessions. If you are looking for free pe worksheets for Reception, or simple home learning for the weekend or school holidays, this is a good place to start.
Home education and tutoring
Home educators and tutors can print this as part of a wider pe plan. It pairs well with books, outdoor play and everyday talk. Because the sheet is free and printable, you can use it again for brothers and sisters or for revision a few weeks later.
Why it helps children learn
Hands-on, paper based activities slow learning down in a good way. Children read carefully, think before they answer and see their own progress on the page. Games and challenges add a reason to keep going. That mix of play and practice is why printable activities like this are popular with parents, teachers and home educators.
Curriculum links for teachers
This sheet supports the areas below. It is matched to the published England frameworks. Please check it against your own school plan.
| Framework | Subject or area | Strand | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Years Foundation Stage | Physical Development | Gross Motor Skills | Reception |
What children will be able to do
- I can copy an animal pose.
- I can balance and hold still.
- I can stretch gently and breathe slowly.
Check it worked
Ask these when the sheet is finished. Listen for the reasoning, not just the answer.
- Which animal pose was easiest to hold?
- What helps you stay balanced?
- How does your body feel after stretching?
More like this
Same subject, one year up: Water Play Games | Same subject, one year down: Simon Says Cards
Frequently asked questions
What age is Balance and Stretch Yoga Cards for?
It is written for Reception (reception | ages 4 to 5), in Early Years Foundation Stage.
What will children practise?
Children practise balance and gentle stretching through simple animal poses.
How do I use it?
1 child with a grown-up. Play time 10 minutes. Move slowly and stop if it feels uncomfortable.
What if it feels too hard?
Show the pose and help with balance.
Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use.
Is Balance and Stretch Yoga Cards suitable for teachers to use in class?
Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing.
Is this a screen-free activity?
Yes. It is a screen-free printable that needs only paper and a pencil, so it works well for quiet time, rainy days and school holidays.
Can I use it for home education?
Yes. Home educators and tutors can use it on its own or as part of a wider plan. It is free to print again for brothers, sisters or revision.
How long does it take?
Most children finish page 1 in 10 to 20 minutes. The notes on page 2 suggest ways to make it shorter or longer.
Do I need to print in colour?
No. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper.
More free printables
More for Early Years Foundation Stage | More pe printables | Free printable games | All Mini Minds Hub resources