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Lesson 1 - Jungle Adventure Yoga Poses

Imaginative Yoga Story Journeys

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Nursery

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Yoga

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30 min

Big Question

How can different yoga poses help us feel calm, strong, and brave like jungle animals?

Learning Objectives

To perform butterfly pose and lion pose with correct technique
To understand the importance of controlled breathing during movement
To experiment with different ways of moving and balancing

Key Outcomes

Children will demonstrate at least 2 yoga poses with guidance
Children will show awareness of breathing during exercise
Children will create their own animal movements with confidence

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per child (30)

Arranged in circle or scattered formation with space between each child

Alternative: Carpet squares, blankets, or clear floor space

Background Music

1 speaker system

Soft background music to enhance jungle atmosphere

Alternative: Nature sounds, gentle instrumental music, or silence

Picture Book for Relaxation

1 copy

Suggested: 'Monkey Puzzle' by Julia Donaldson or similar jungle story

Alternative: Any jungle-themed storybook or nature imagery

Key Vocabulary

Butterfly Pose

Sitting with knees bent out to sides, feet together, moving knees like butterfly wings

Lion Pose

Kneeling pose with hands on knees, tongue out, making a roaring sound

Mountain Pose

Standing tall and strong with feet apart, arms by sides, feeling grounded

Tree Pose

Balancing on one foot while arms move like tree branches

Cobra Pose

Lying on tummy, lifting head and chest up like a snake

Child's Pose

Kneeling with forehead down, arms tucked under for rest and calm

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of breathing
Ability to follow simple movement instructions
Basic body awareness and spatial concepts

Current Skills

Yoga pose performance with breathing control
Balance and stability on one foot
Creative animal movement interpretation

Next Steps

More complex yoga sequences
Extended balance challenges
Independent breathing techniques for self-regulation

Milestone Indicators

Holds butterfly pose for 10+ seconds

Balances on one foot for 5+ seconds

Uses deep breathing when feeling worried

Key Teaching Points

Always emphasise gentle movements and never force poses
Breathing is more important than perfect pose alignment
Every attempt is valued regardless of how the pose looks
Use storytelling to maintain engagement and context
Model calm, mindful behaviour throughout the session
Connect poses to emotional regulation and daily life
Encourage creativity in animal movement interpretations

Common Misconceptions

Yoga poses must look perfect - emphasise individual expression and comfort
Deeper stretches are better - teach that gentle movements are safe and effective
Everyone should be able to balance equally - normalize individual differences
Breathing is automatic and doesn't need attention - teach conscious breathing awareness
Yoga is only about flexibility - highlight strength, balance, and mental benefits
Children can't do 'real' yoga - show that all movements are authentic yoga practice

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear, simple instructions, movement breaks between poses, fidget tools during story time

dyspraxia

Simplified pose variations, extra practice time, verbal and visual cues combined, celebration of effort over precision

autism spectrum

Predictable routine structure, visual schedule of poses, quiet space option, sensory breaks allowed

visual impairment

Detailed verbal descriptions of poses, tactile guidance for positioning, partner support for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, picture cards showing poses, vibrations for breathing cues

physical disability

Seated or supported versions of all poses, focus on achievable movements, adaptive equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Body systems awareness, breathing and circulation, animal characteristics and habitats

Geography

Jungle environments and locations, animal habitats around the world

PSHE

Emotional regulation through breathing, self-confidence building, cooperative play and sharing space

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand where all children can see demonstrations, move around during practice to offer individual support

Observation Focus

Watch for safe pose alignment, breathing awareness, engagement levels, and emotional responses

Intervention Points

Step in if poses become unsafe, children are frustrated, or breathing is forgotten

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate poses yourself first, exaggerate movements for clarity, use storytelling voice to maintain engagement

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe like sleeping lions - slow and steady'
•'Find your strong mountain legs'
•'Butterfly wings move gently'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 6m x 6m clear floor space, cushioned surface preferred

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, clean and clear of small objects, temperature comfortable for lying down

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Yoga mats lying completely flat with no curled edges
•Adequate spacing between mats (arm's length minimum)
•Remove any jewelry or hard accessories before poses

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during balance poses
•Overstretching in forward bends and back extensions
•Collision during movement activities
•Overexertion or breath holding

Risk Mitigation

•Wall support available for all balance poses
•Emphasise gentle movements, no forcing poses
•Clear pathways for movement with defined boundaries
•Regular breathing reminders and rest periods

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all children during poses
•Circulate during balance poses to offer support
•Monitor breathing patterns especially during cobra pose
•Watch for signs of discomfort or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical staff if needed