Five Animals Frolics: A 5-Week Kids' Sports Qigong Series

A Program for River Valley Charter School Early Release Wednesdays

5 Animal Frolics Sports Qigong uplifts the spirit and fosters playfulness in both children and adults, while promoting movement and supporting physical fitness.

River Valley Charter School students are invited to step into the world of the Five Animals Frolics in this lively Qigong class at Great Bay Tai Chi, Ma in Salisbury! 🦁🦌🐻🐒🐦  

Kids will:
🌟 Pounce like a tiger, building strength and confidence.
🌟 Stretch like a deer, increasing flexibility and grace.
🌟 Stomp like a bear, growing inner strength and energy!
🌟 Swing like a monkey, boosting balance and creativity.
🌟 Spread their wings like a crane, cultivating calm and focus.

This class combines fun animal-inspired movements with relaxation techniques to help children connect with their bodies, improve coordination, and cultivate mindfulness—all in a supportive, friendly environment.

Through guided animal movements, children will develop mind-body connection, improve coordination, and discover their inner wildness. 

It’s a playful way to build health and happiness! 🐾

The Five Animal Frolics, also known as Wu Qin Xi in Mandarin (五禽戏; pinyin: wǔ qín xì), was created by the Chinese doctor Hua Tuo during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 CE). Hua Tuo developed the exercises by observing nature and basing them on the movements of these animals. 

Details and Registration

Duration: Five 2-hr sessions held on RVCS early release Wednesdays.
Session Dates:  April 2, 16, May 7, 21, June 4
Time: 2-3:00 pm
Location: Internal Arts New England, 102 Bridge Road, Salisbury, MA (Directions)
Instructor: Stacie Bowman, Tai Chi instructor and Kids class coach.
Class Capacity: Maximum of 12 children to ensure individualized attention
Fee: $100
Register Here
Questions? Email: chris@greatbaytaichima.com

(We also offer a Tuesday afternoon Kids’ class 5-week series of 5 Animals Frolics: Kids’ Sports Qigong. This class will run on Tuesdays from 4:15 PM to 5:15 PM, beginning April 8.)

About the Instructor

Tai Chi Instructor, and kid’s class coach, Stacie Bowman leads this series. Stacie brings a great attitude and energy to her classes in addition to her years of experience training in Tai Chi and other Chinese martial arts.

Please fill out the registration form and then complete payment for your preferred session below.

Registration
Early Release Dates: April 2, 16, May 7, 21, June 4
Time: 2:00 PM –  3:00 PM

Registration Payment

Class Structure

Warm-Up (5-10 minutes):

  • Gentle stretching and warm-up movements to prepare the body for Qigong.
  • Simple breathing exercises to cultivate focus and relaxation.

Animal Movement Practice (25-30 minutes):

  • Each week, participants will learn movements inspired by one of the Five Animal Frolics:
    • Week 1: Tiger (Strength and Courage) – Movements to build power and confidence.
    • Week 2: Deer (Grace and Flexibility) – Exercises that encourage fluidity and adaptability.
    • Week 3: Bear (Grounding and Stability) – Stances and slow movements for stability and strength.
    • Week 4: Monkey (Curiosity and Playfulness) – Movements that foster agility and joy.
    • Week 5: Crane (Balance and Peace) – Movements focused on balance and calm.

Cool-Down and Reflection (5-10 minutes):

  • Simple stretching to cool down and release tension.
  • Short guided meditation or breathing exercise to help children reflect on how they feel and connect to their “inner animal.”

Benefits

  • Physical Health: Increases coordination, balance, flexibility, and strength.
  • Emotional Regulation: Enhances self-awareness, focus, and emotional control.
  • Mindfulness Skills: Introduces the basics of mindfulness through movement, helping kids cultivate calm and manage stress.
  • Social Skills: Provides a safe, supportive environment for participants to express themselves and learn new skills with peers.
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