🧘

Lesson 1 - Jungle Adventure Yoga

Adventure Yoga: Body Awareness

•

Reception

•

Yoga

•

49 min

Big Question

How can we use our bodies and breathing to explore the jungle like brave adventurers?

Learning Objectives

To explore basic yoga poses through imaginative jungle adventure
To understand the importance of controlled breathing during movement
To develop balance, coordination and body awareness through animal poses

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate butterfly and lion poses with correct technique
Students will use appropriate breathing patterns during yoga movements
Students will create and perform animal-inspired movements with confidence

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arrange in circle or rows with adequate spacing for movement

Alternative: Towels, carpet squares, or marked floor spaces

Background Music

1 audio system

Keep volume low to allow clear instruction hearing

Alternative: Nature sounds app, jungle sounds playlist

Storybook

1 (Monkey Puzzle or jungle theme)

Ready for relaxation segment

Alternative: Digital story, improvised jungle adventure

Key Vocabulary

Butterfly Pose

A seated yoga pose with knees bent out to sides and feet together

Lion Pose

A kneeling pose with hands on knees, tongue out and roaring sound

Mountain Pose

Standing tall and straight with feet apart and arms by sides

Tree Pose

Standing balance on one leg with arms moving like branches

Cobra Pose

Lying on tummy with head and chest lifted off the ground

Child's Pose

Kneeling with forehead down and hands tucked underneath

Breathing

Taking air in through the nose and out through the mouth in a controlled way

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of sitting and standing positions
Simple breathing awareness
Following simple movement instructions

Current Skills

Basic yoga poses with animal themes
Controlled breathing techniques
Balance and coordination development

Next Steps

More complex yoga sequences
Partner yoga poses
Linking breath to movement flows

Milestone Indicators

Can hold poses for 10-15 seconds

Demonstrates smooth transitions between poses

Shows improved body awareness and control

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise breathing as the foundation of all yoga practice
Connect poses to imaginative themes to maintain engagement
Celebrate all attempts and personal progress over perfection
Use positive language focusing on what children CAN do
Model calm, peaceful energy throughout the session
Ensure poses are age-appropriate and not forced
Connect physical practice to emotional wellbeing and confidence

Common Misconceptions

Children may think they need to be perfectly still - explain gentle movement is natural
Some may believe yoga is too easy or 'just stretching' - emphasise strength and focus required
Children might force poses - teach listening to their body's limits
May think breathing is automatic only - explain conscious breathing benefits
Could believe yoga is only for certain people - emphasise accessibility for all bodies

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent movement changes, clear boundaries, positive reinforcement for focus

dyspraxia

Simplified pose sequences, extra time for coordination, wall support for balance

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of poses, quiet space available if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Verbal descriptions of all poses, tactile guidance for positioning, partner support

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, hand signals for breathing, written instruction cards

physical disability

Chair-based modifications, adapted poses for limited mobility, focus on achievable movements

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development, listening skills, storytelling

Maths

Counting breaths, spatial awareness, patterns in movement

Science

Learning about breathing, body awareness, animal movements

PSHE

Managing emotions, building confidence, understanding feelings

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during demonstrations, circulate during practice

Observation Focus

Pose alignment, breathing patterns, confidence levels, peer interactions

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe movements, provide encouragement for hesitant children

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate poses clearly, show modifications, emphasise that all attempts are valued

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe slowly and deeply'
•'Find your strong, steady balance'
•'Let your butterfly wings move gently'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 10m clear space, soft flooring preferred

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, mats secure and flat, no obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Yoga mats checked for tears or slippery surfaces
•Audio equipment positioned safely away from movement area
•Props stored securely when not in use

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Loss of balance in standing poses
•Overstretching in back bends
•Collisions during movement activities

Risk Mitigation

•Adequate spacing between students (arm's length minimum)
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Constant supervision during balance poses
•Clear boundaries for movement activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all students during poses
•Move around room during balance activities
•Monitor back extension in cobra pose closely

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact parents/office if needed