Lesson 2 - Arctic Animal Poses
Imaginative Mindfulness in Yoga
•Year 1
•Yoga
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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
Arranged in grid formation with arm's width spacing
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares
Ready for relaxation session
Alternative: Printed Arctic pictures or tablet with images
Low volume throughout lesson
Alternative: Natural sounds app or silence
Mixed achievement and effort rewards
Alternative: Verbal praise certificates
Key Vocabulary
Staying steady and not falling over when standing on one foot or in different positions
Taking air into our lungs through our nose and letting it out through our mouth
A special position we hold our body in during yoga, often copying animals or objects
A very cold place at the top of the world where polar bears and penguins live
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
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