Lesson 2 - Arctic Adventure Yoga
Adventure Yoga: Body Awareness
•Reception
•Yoga
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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- Complete activity instructions & timing
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How can we use our bodies to explore the Arctic and discover amazing creatures through yoga poses?
Learning Objectives
- To perform yoga poses that represent Arctic creatures and features
- To develop balance, flexibility and body awareness through themed movements
- To practice breathing techniques and relaxation skills in a structured sequence
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate at least 5 different yoga poses representing Arctic themes
- Students will show improved balance and control when holding poses for 10+ seconds
- Students will use appropriate breathing techniques during poses and relaxation
Equipment & Resources Required
Arrange in circle or grid pattern with 1 metre spacing
Alternative: Carpet squares, towels, or marked floor spaces
Accessible for relaxation session
Alternative: Tablet/phone with Arctic images, printed pictures
Volume low enough for instructions to be heard clearly
Alternative: Phone speaker, tablet, or no music
Ready for conclusion phase
Alternative: Verbal praise, high-fives, certificates
Key Vocabulary
Staying steady and still without wobbling or falling
A specific position or shape we make with our body
Taking air in through our nose and letting it out through our mouth
A very cold place with snow and ice where polar bears live
How well our bodies can bend and stretch
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic body awareness and simple movements
- Understanding of sitting and standing positions
- Ability to copy simple actions
Current Skills
- Static balance poses with Arctic creature themes
- Controlled breathing during movement
- Transitioning between different yoga positions
Next Steps
- More complex balancing poses with props
- Partner yoga poses and cooperation
- Creating own movement sequences
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always emphasise personal comfort limits - no forcing positions
- Model calm breathing throughout the session
- Use storytelling to maintain engagement and context
- Celebrate individual differences in pose execution
- Create inclusive atmosphere where all attempts are valued
- Connect physical poses to emotional regulation benefits
- Maintain clear, sequential instruction structure
Common Misconceptions
- That poses must look identical to teacher demonstration - emphasise personal variation
- That flexibility is required for yoga - focus on individual progress
- That stillness means no movement at all - allow natural adjustments
- That balance poses should be held without any wobbling - normalise wobbles as part of learning
- That quiet time means doing nothing - explain active relaxation and breathing
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter pose holds, more movement variety, clear physical boundaries, frequent positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Extra time for positioning, simplified instructions, physical support for balance, larger movement patterns
autism spectrum
- Predictable routine, visual schedule of poses, quiet space available, clear transitions
visual impairment
- Clear verbal descriptions of poses, tactile guidance for positioning, partner support for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations, hand signals for breathing, written pose cards with pictures
physical disability
- Chair-based modifications, use of walls for support, adapted poses using available mobility
Cross-Curricular Links
Science
Animal habitats and adaptations, breathing and body systems, balance and forces
Geography
Arctic regions, climate and weather patterns, animal distribution
PSHE
Emotional regulation, self-awareness, cooperation and teamwork, personal boundaries
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Centre of space for demonstrations, periphery for individual support during practice
Observation Focus
Watch for safe pose alignment, emotional engagement, and inclusive participation
Intervention Points
Step in if students forcing positions, showing frustration, or not participating safely
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate modifications, emphasise personal limits, model calm breathing throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Only go as far as feels comfortable'
- •'Breathe slowly and steadily'
- •'Everyone's pose looks different and that's perfect'
- •'Listen to your body'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 4m x 6m clear space, preferably larger for movement activities
Surface Check
Non-slip surface essential, yoga mats provide grip and cushioning
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check yoga mats are clean and not torn
- •Ensure mats lie flat without curled edges
- •Remove any obstacles from movement pathways
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls during balance poses
- •Collisions during movement activities
- •Overstretching in flexibility poses
- •Neck strain in child's pose
Risk Mitigation
- •Adequate spacing between students for balance practice
- •Clear movement pathways established
- •Emphasis on personal comfort limits
- •Alternative positions offered for all poses
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all students during balance poses
- •Monitor for overexertion or forcing positions
- •Watch for signs of discomfort during holds
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, appropriate first aid, contact office if needed