Hanu and the Sharing Tree: Yoga for Kids That Grows Little Hearts
22.05.26
In our latest Hanu Moves animation, Hanu and the Sharing Tree, our favourite little monkey discovers that the best fruit is always sweeter when shared. Hanu stretches tall through the branches — showing his friends two beautiful kids yoga poses — so that everyone can reach the juicy treats above. In this article, we break down those two poses step by step, and explore why the art of sharing is one of the most powerful gifts you can give your growing child.
From the Story: How Yoga Helped Hanu's Friends
When Hanu arrived at the tree and saw his friends jumping and straining to reach the fruit, he didn't just grab a piece for himself — he used kids yoga to help everyone reach higher. First he demonstrated the Upward Stretch, growing tall like the tree itself. Then he flowed into the graceful Dancer Pose, balancing with confidence so he could pass fruit to each friend in turn.
It's a simple but powerful story: yoga for kids isn't just physical exercise. It teaches children to be present, to think creatively, and — just like Hanu — to use their abilities in service of others.
"When we stretch a little further, we find we can reach more than we ever imagined — for ourselves, and for the people we love."
These two poses are perfect starting points for kids yoga at home or in the classroom. They build strength, flexibility, and body awareness — and they're a wonderful way to revisit the story together after watching the animation.
Pose 1: The Upward Stretch
Also known as Urdhva Hastasana · "Reaching for the sky"
Just like Hanu stretching toward the highest branches, the Upward Stretch encourages children to grow tall and breathe deeply. It's one of the most accessible yoga for kids poses, simple enough for toddlers, satisfying enough for older children.
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart, toes pointing forward. Feel like you're a tree rooted in the ground.
- Take a big breath in through your nose, then slowly raise both arms out to the sides and all the way up above your head.
- Interlace your fingers and turn your palms toward the sky. Imagine you're trying to pick the highest fruit on the tree!
- Gently lift your chin and look up at your hands. Keep your shoulders relaxed — away from your ears.
- Hold for 3–5 deep breaths, growing a little taller with every inhale.
- Lower your arms slowly on an exhale, like leaves floating down from the tree.
Pose 2: The Dancer Pose
- Begin standing tall. Find a spot on the floor or wall to focus your eyes on — this is your "drishti" or gaze point, and it helps with balance.
- Shift your weight onto your right foot. Bend your left knee and bring your left foot up behind you.
- Reach back with your left hand and gently hold the inside of your left ankle or the top of your foot.
- Breathe in, and slowly begin to kick your left foot into your hand, lifting your leg behind you. Let your chest tip forward slightly, feeling like you're flying!
- Stretch your right arm forward, palm open — as if you're handing a piece of fruit to a friend.
- Hold for 3–5 breaths, then gently come back to standing. Repeat on the other side.
How to Encourage Sharing at Home
Children aren't born knowing how to share — it's a skill they learn gradually, usually between the ages of 3 and 6. Here are some gentle, effective ways to nurture it:
Model it yourself. Children mirror what they see. When you share something — your food, your time, your attention — narrate it out loud: "I'm saving some of this for you because I love sharing with you."
Celebrate the feeling. After your child shares something, ask them: "How does it feel to make your friend happy?" Help them connect the action to the warm emotion that follows.
Use stories and characters. That's exactly why Hanu exists! When children see their favourite character sharing, they want to copy that behaviour. After watching Hanu and the Sharing Tree, you might try the poses together and then ask: "What could we share with someone today, just like Hanu?"
Set up sharing opportunities. Try snack time as a sharing practice — let your child divide fruit or crackers between family members. This mirrors exactly what Hanu does in the tree, and makes sharing feel purposeful and fun.
Be patient. It's completely developmentally normal for young children to be possessive of their belongings. Gentle encouragement, never forcing, is always the right approach.
Hanu and the Stormy Sky Yoga Mat & Storybook Bundle
Hanu Moves Childrens Yoga Mat
