Lesson 1 - Jungle Adventure Yoga Poses
Imaginative Yoga Story Journeys
•Nursery
•Yoga
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Arranged in circle or scattered formation with space between each child
Alternative: Carpet squares, blankets, or clear floor space
Soft background music to enhance jungle atmosphere
Alternative: Nature sounds, gentle instrumental music, or silence
Suggested: 'Monkey Puzzle' by Julia Donaldson or similar jungle story
Alternative: Any jungle-themed storybook or nature imagery
Key Vocabulary
Sitting with knees bent out to sides, feet together, moving knees like butterfly wings
Kneeling pose with hands on knees, tongue out, making a roaring sound
Standing tall and strong with feet apart, arms by sides, feeling grounded
Balancing on one foot while arms move like tree branches
Lying on tummy, lifting head and chest up like a snake
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
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