Sun Salutation | Mindful Minutes

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This Mindful Minutes video focuses on sun salutation. Sun salutation is a yoga exercise that helps energize the body and mind, increase mind-body awareness, and practice mindfulness to help you center yourself.

WQED Education teamed up with Open Up Pittsburgh to bring you Mindful Minutes! These videos can be used in the classroom, library, or any learning space to help everyone get centered and calmed down to start or end the day or activity. Each video starts with a breathing exercise and then dives into an activity to practice the theme.

Credits: Open Up Pgh and WQED

Standards

CASEL SEL Standards (Pre‑K–5)

1. Self‑Awareness (SA)

  • SA‑1 – Identify and name emotions before and after mindful movement.
  • SA‑2 – Notice physical sensations (breathing, stretching, tension release).
  • SA‑3 – Recognize how movement affects mood and energy.
  • SA‑4 – Develop accurate self‑perception through mindful reflection.

2. Self‑Management (SM)

  • SM‑1 – Use breathing and movement to manage strong emotions.
  • SM‑2 – Demonstrate impulse control by moving slowly and intentionally.
  • SM‑3 – Practice calming strategies to reduce stress and increase focus.
  • SM‑4 – Sustain attention and persistence during the full sequence.

3. Social Awareness (SO)

  • SO‑1 – Demonstrate empathy by respecting others’ space and pace.
  • SO‑2 – Recognize that peers may experience mindfulness differently.
  • SO‑3 – Show respect for diverse abilities and comfort levels.
  • SO‑4 – Understand nonverbal cues during group movement.

4. Relationship Skills (RS)

  • RS‑1 – Listen actively to instructions and cues.
  • RS‑2 – Cooperate with peers during shared mindful movement.
  • RS‑3 – Resolve small misunderstandings respectfully (e.g., spacing, timing).
  • RS‑4 – Offer encouragement and support to classmates.

5. Responsible Decision‑Making (DM)

  • DM‑1 – Identify safe ways to move and use personal space.
  • DM‑2 – Make choices that support personal well‑being (e.g., modifying poses).
  • DM‑3 – Consider how actions affect the comfort and safety of others.
  • DM‑4 – Reflect on which mindfulness strategies help them feel calm and focused.