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Lesson 2 - Arctic Animal Poses

Imaginative Mindfulness in Yoga

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Year 1

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Yoga

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45 min

Big Question

How can yoga poses help us explore different environments and manage our emotions?

Learning Objectives

To perform yoga poses inspired by Arctic animals and features
To understand how yoga can help manage feelings of nervousness or worry
To demonstrate appropriate safety measures during yoga practice

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully perform 5-6 Arctic-themed yoga poses with correct alignment
Students will identify how Butterfly pose can help calm nervous feelings
Students will practice yoga movements safely with minimal direct supervision

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arranged in grid formation with arm's width spacing

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares

Storybook

Ready for relaxation session

Alternative: Printed Arctic pictures or tablet with images

Background Music

Speaker/device

Low volume throughout lesson

Alternative: Natural sounds app or silence

Team Tokens

30+

Mixed achievement and effort rewards

Alternative: Verbal praise certificates

Key Vocabulary

Balance

Staying steady and not falling over when standing on one foot or in different positions

Breathe

Taking air into our lungs through our nose and letting it out through our mouth

Pose

A special position we hold our body in during yoga, often copying animals or objects

Arctic

A very cold place at the top of the world where polar bears and penguins live

Calm

Feeling peaceful and not worried or upset

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic body awareness and control
Simple balancing on one foot
Following movement instructions

Current Skills

Arctic-themed yoga poses
Emotional regulation through Butterfly pose
Independent safety awareness

Next Steps

More complex balancing poses
Longer pose sequences
Partner yoga activities

Milestone Indicators

Can hold Tree pose for 10+ seconds

Demonstrates correct breathing technique

Shows improved emotional awareness

Key Teaching Points

Always emphasise breathing as the foundation of every yoga pose
Use the Arctic theme consistently to maintain engagement and context
Model emotional regulation through Butterfly pose - this is a key life skill
Ensure balancing poses progress from simple to complex with support options
Create inclusive environment where all attempts are celebrated, not just perfect poses
Connect physical poses to emotional benefits throughout the lesson
Use positive, encouraging language that builds confidence in movement abilities

Common Misconceptions

Yoga poses must be perfect - emphasise personal progress over perfection
Only flexible people can do yoga - show modifications for all body types
Yoga is too easy/boring - highlight strength and focus elements
Boys can't do yoga - use strong animal poses and adventure themes
You must be completely silent - allow natural expressions and gentle sounds
Poses should hurt to be effective - teach body awareness and comfort limits

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent movement opportunities, shorter holds on static poses, specific focus tasks like counting breaths

dyspraxia

Simplified pose instructions, wall/floor support for balancing, extra time for position changes, peer buddy system

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of poses, consistent routine structure, quiet space option during relaxation, sensory breaks as needed

visual impairment

Use tactile cues for pose positioning, verbal descriptions of all movements, partner support for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with exaggerated movements, written pose cards, use of vibrating signals for timing

physical disability

Chair-adapted versions of all poses, upper body focus alternatives, partner assistance where appropriate

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development (Arctic, pose, balance), listening skills during story time, descriptive language for movements

Maths

Counting breaths and repetitions, understanding time concepts (hold for 10 seconds), spatial awareness and positioning

Science

Understanding breathing and how lungs work, animal habitats in Arctic environment, body systems during exercise

Geography

Arctic region location, climate conditions, polar animals and their adaptations to cold environments

PSHE

Emotional regulation strategies, building confidence, working respectfully with others, body awareness and personal space

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around room perimeter to observe all students, central position for demonstrations, quiet position during relaxation

Observation Focus

Watch for proper alignment, breathing patterns, emotional responses to poses, peer interactions

Intervention Points

Step in if poses become unsafe, support struggling students without drawing attention, redirect if behaviour disrupts calm environment

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate poses with perfect alignment, use exaggerated movements for clarity, model breathing audibly, show modifications for different abilities

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe slowly and deeply'
•'Listen to your body'
•'Strong mountain, calm butterfly'
•'Gentle movements, peaceful mind'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 4m x 6m clear space, yoga mats with 1m spacing between students

Surface Check

Clean, non-slip surface, mats secure and not sliding, no obstacles in movement area

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check mats are clean and in good condition
•Ensure adequate spacing prevents collisions during balancing
•Keep pathways clear for movement activities

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during balancing poses
•Collisions during movement activities
•Overstretching in poses
•Discomfort in resting positions

Risk Mitigation

•Progress balancing poses gradually with support options
•Direct traffic flow clearly during movement activities
•Emphasise listening to body and not forcing poses
•Offer position modifications for comfort

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all balancing attempts
•Monitor facial expressions for strain or discomfort
•Watch for respectful spacing during floor poses

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, ensure other students remain in safe positions, administer appropriate first aid