Lesson 2 - Arctic Adventure Yoga Poses
Imaginative Yoga Story Journeys
•Nursery
•Yoga
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
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How can yoga poses help us explore the Arctic and feel brave when we're nervous?
Learning Objectives
- To practice yoga poses that represent Arctic creatures and features
- To learn about Arctic animals and environments through movement
- To develop balance, coordination and mindfulness through yoga
Key Outcomes
- Children will confidently perform 5+ yoga poses representing Arctic themes
- Children will demonstrate improved balance and body awareness
- Children will use breathing techniques to manage emotions and anxiety
Equipment & Resources Required
Arrange in circle or scattered formation with arm's length spacing
Alternative: Towels, marked floor spaces with tape
Keep nearby for relaxation session
Alternative: iPad with Arctic images, printed pictures
Low volume to maintain calm atmosphere
Alternative: Nature sounds, instrumental music
Key Vocabulary
A position we hold with our body in yoga
Staying steady on one foot or in a position
Taking air in through nose and out through mouth slowly
A very cold, snowy place where polar bears and penguins live
A very tall, strong rock formation that reaches high into the sky
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic standing and sitting positions
- Following simple movement instructions
- Understanding of animals and their movements
Current Skills
- Balancing poses (Tree, Mountain)
- Animal representation through movement
- Breathing techniques for emotional regulation
- Spatial awareness and safe movement
Next Steps
- More complex balancing poses
- Longer pose holds and sequences
- Independent pose creation and demonstration
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise that wobbling and imperfection are completely normal in yoga
- Connect yoga poses to emotional regulation and feeling brave
- Use imaginative storytelling to maintain engagement throughout
- Focus on individual progress rather than comparison with others
- Encourage slow, mindful breathing throughout all activities
- Celebrate all attempts and efforts regardless of 'perfect' form
- Make clear connections between poses and real animals/objects
Common Misconceptions
- Yoga poses must be perfect - teach that every body is different
- Falling out of poses means failure - explain that wobbling is natural
- You need to be flexible to do yoga - emphasise that yoga helps you become more flexible
- Feeling nervous is bad - teach that yoga helps us feel brave
- Breathing isn't important - show how breathing helps with poses and emotions
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter pose holds, fidget toys during relaxation, movement breaks between poses
dyspraxia
- Simplified pose instructions, wall support, larger movement patterns, extra practice time
autism spectrum
- Predictable routine, visual pose cards, quiet corner available, clear start/stop signals
visual impairment
- Verbal descriptions of all poses, tactile guidance for positioning, partner support for balance
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, gesture cues, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Seated versions of all poses, chair support for standing poses, adapted range of motion
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following instructions, descriptive language for animals, story listening
Maths
Counting breaths, timing holds, spatial awareness and direction
Science
Animal habitats and adaptations, body systems and breathing, balance and coordination
Geography
Arctic regions, climate and weather, polar environments
PSHE
Emotional regulation, cooperation and turn-taking, self-confidence
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around space to observe all children, position near children who need support
Observation Focus
Watch for balance attempts, emotional responses, comfort in poses
Intervention Points
Step in if child struggling with balance, showing frustration, or appears uncomfortable
Demonstration Notes
Model all poses clearly, show modifications, emphasise that everyone's body is different
Verbal Cues
- •'Breathe slowly and find your balance'
- •'It's okay to wobble - that's normal!'
- •'Only go as far as feels comfortable'
- •'Focus on one spot to help with balance'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 3m x 4m clear space, soft flooring preferred (carpet/mats)
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from obstacles, appropriate temperature
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Yoga mats checked for cleanliness and non-slip backing
- •Adequate spacing (arm's length) between children
- •Remove shoes and socks for better grip
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Loss of balance during Tree pose
- •Neck strain in Child's pose
- •Wrist discomfort in Downward Dog
Risk Mitigation
- •Wall support available for balance poses
- •No forcing of positions or depth
- •Constant monitoring of comfort levels
- •Immediate stop if any discomfort reported
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all children
- •Monitor facial expressions for discomfort
- •Watch for overexertion or holding breath
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess comfort, provide support or alternative position, seek medical attention if injury occurs