Lesson 4 - Earth Journey: Balance & Breathe
Imaginative Yoga Story Journeys
•Nursery
•Yoga
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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
Arrange in circle or rows with arms-width spacing between each mat
Alternative: Towels, marked floor spaces with tape
Volume low enough for instructions to be heard clearly
Alternative: Quiet humming, natural sounds app
Have ready for relaxation time if using
Alternative: Environmental story cards, nature photos
Key Vocabulary
Standing on one leg with arms like branches, being still and balanced like a tree
Hands and feet on floor making a V-shape with your body, like a dog stretching
Staying steady and not falling over when standing or moving
Making your body look like the letter V - wide at top, pointed at bottom
Standing tall and strong like a mountain - feet apart, arms by sides
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
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