Lesson 1 - Jungle Adventure Yoga
Adventure Yoga: Body Awareness
•Reception
•Yoga
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- Complete activity instructions & timing
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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
Arrange in circle or rows with adequate spacing for movement
Alternative: Towels, carpet squares, or marked floor spaces
Keep volume low to allow clear instruction hearing
Alternative: Nature sounds app, jungle sounds playlist
Ready for relaxation segment
Alternative: Digital story, improvised jungle adventure
Key Vocabulary
A seated yoga pose with knees bent out to sides and feet together
A kneeling pose with hands on knees, tongue out and roaring sound
Standing tall and straight with feet apart and arms by sides
Standing balance on one leg with arms moving like branches
Lying on tummy with head and chest lifted off the ground
Kneeling with forehead down and hands tucked underneath
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
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