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Lesson 4 - Earth Journey: Balance & Breathe

Imaginative Yoga Story Journeys

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Nursery

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Yoga

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30 min

Big Question

How can we use our bodies to show appreciation for the natural world around us?

Learning Objectives

Perform tree pose with increasing stability and control
Execute downward dog pose maintaining correct V-shape formation
Demonstrate understanding of using arms for balance support

Key Outcomes

Children will hold tree pose for 10+ seconds with minimal wobbling
Children will form clear V-shape in downward dog pose
Children will practice safety measures independently during poses

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per child (30)

Arrange in circle or rows with arms-width spacing between each mat

Alternative: Towels, marked floor spaces with tape

Background Music

1 speaker/device

Volume low enough for instructions to be heard clearly

Alternative: Quiet humming, natural sounds app

Storybook

Have ready for relaxation time if using

Alternative: Environmental story cards, nature photos

Key Vocabulary

Tree Pose

Standing on one leg with arms like branches, being still and balanced like a tree

Downward Dog

Hands and feet on floor making a V-shape with your body, like a dog stretching

Balance

Staying steady and not falling over when standing or moving

V-Shape

Making your body look like the letter V - wide at top, pointed at bottom

Mountain Pose

Standing tall and strong like a mountain - feet apart, arms by sides

Child's Pose

Kneeling down with forehead on floor and arms tucked under - a resting pose

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic standing balance on two feet
Simple breathing exercises
Following movement instructions
Understanding of up and down directions

Current Skills

Single-leg standing balance with support
Controlled arm movements while balancing
Coordinated breathing with movement
Understanding V-shape body formation

Next Steps

Extended balance holds without support
Flowing sequences between poses
Partner balance activities
More complex yoga sequences

Milestone Indicators

Can stand on one foot for 5+ seconds

Shows smooth transitions between poses

Demonstrates controlled breathing patterns

Maintains focus during relaxation periods

Key Teaching Points

Always emphasise using arms for balance support in tree pose
Ensure clear V-shape formation in downward dog with bottom high
Connect breathing awareness to all movement and pose work
Maintain calm, peaceful atmosphere throughout yoga practice
Link physical practice to environmental awareness and kindness
Encourage individual expression while maintaining yoga principles
Focus on progress and effort rather than perfect pose achievement

Common Misconceptions

That yoga poses must be held perfectly - emphasise effort and improvement over perfection
That breathing is automatic and doesn't need attention - teach conscious breath awareness
That balance is immediate - explain that balance improves with practice and patience
That yoga is only about physical poses - connect to emotional regulation and mindfulness
That everyone's poses should look identical - celebrate individual differences and abilities
That competitive comparison is appropriate - focus on personal growth and supportive community

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Include more frequent movement breaks, provide fidget options during quiet times, offer specific role or focus during activities

dyspraxia

Break down complex sequences into smaller steps, provide extra practice time for coordination, offer additional physical support for poses

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule showing lesson sequence, offer quiet space for breaks, maintain consistent routines and clear expectations

visual impairment

Use detailed verbal descriptions of poses, provide hands-on guidance for alignment, describe room layout and movement paths clearly

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, written sequence cards with pictures, hand signals for transitions

physical disability

Seated variations of all poses available, modified balance challenges using chairs, adapted breathing exercises

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting breaths and balance holds, understanding shapes through V-formation in downward dog, sequencing in sun salutation practice

Science

Understanding plant growth and life cycles through sunflower growth sequences, exploring weather patterns through rain pose, learning about Earth's natural systems

Geography

Spatial awareness through movement around room, understanding Earth as our planet, exploring natural features like mountains and trees

PSHE

Emotional regulation through breathing and meditation, environmental responsibility and care, respect for others during quiet activities, patience and perseverance in pose practice

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sight lines to all children, able to demonstrate poses clearly for whole group

Observation Focus

Watch for proper alignment in tree pose and downward dog, monitor balance challenges, assess emotional regulation during quiet times

Intervention Points

Step in if children struggling with balance or becoming frustrated, provide support for poses requiring stability, redirect if activities become too energetic

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate poses clearly before asking children to attempt, exaggerate key alignment points for visibility, show modifications for different ability levels

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe like you're smelling beautiful flowers'
•'Strong legs like tree trunks growing from the ground'
•'Make a perfect mountain with your body - tall and proud'
•'Gentle movements like floating on a calm pond'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 6m x 8m clear space with non-slip flooring, adequate ventilation for physical activity

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles, mats properly positioned and secure

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Yoga mats checked for tears or slippery surfaces
•Adequate spacing between mats to prevent collisions
•Music volume at appropriate level for hearing instructions

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during single-leg balance poses
•Overstretching in forward bends
•Collisions during movement activities
•Hyperextension in downward dog pose

Risk Mitigation

•Wall support available for balance poses
•Emphasis on gradual progression in all poses
•Clear boundaries and spacing requirements
•Constant supervision during balance challenges
•Instruction to work within comfort limits

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all children during balance poses
•Monitor closely during sun salutation transitions
•Watch for signs of fatigue during sequences
•Ensure quiet supervision during relaxation time

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear procedures for injuries during yoga practice