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Lesson 2 - Arctic Adventure Yoga

Adventure Yoga: Body Awareness

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Reception

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Yoga

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45 min

Big Question

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

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arrange in circle or grid pattern with 1 metre spacing

Alternative: Carpet squares, towels, or marked floor spaces

Storybook

Accessible for relaxation session

Alternative: Tablet/phone with Arctic images, printed pictures

Background Music

Audio system

Volume low enough for instructions to be heard clearly

Alternative: Phone speaker, tablet, or no music

Team Tokens

Ready for conclusion phase

Alternative: Verbal praise, high-fives, certificates

Key Vocabulary

Balance

Staying steady and still without wobbling or falling

Pose

A specific position or shape we make with our body

Breathing

Taking air in through our nose and letting it out through our mouth

Arctic

A very cold place with snow and ice where polar bears live

Flexibility

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

Can hold Tree pose for 10 seconds on one foot

Demonstrates smooth transitions between poses

Shows understanding of breathing techniques

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