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Lesson 1 - Jungle Adventure Yoga

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 feel calm and strong like the animals in the jungle?

Learning Objectives

To perform butterfly pose and lion pose with correct technique
To understand the importance of breathing during yoga practice
To explore different ways of moving through animal-inspired poses

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate butterfly pose and lion pose
Students will show awareness of breathing techniques during exercise
Students will creatively interpret animal movements through yoga poses

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arranged in grid formation with 2m spacing between mats

Alternative: Carpet space, towels, or marked floor areas

Storybook

Ready for relaxation session

Alternative: Tablet with jungle sounds, animal picture cards

Imaginary Binoculars

Hand gesture demonstration

For exploring jungle activity

Alternative: Toilet roll tubes, hands formed into circles

Team Tokens

30-40 stickers

Mix of achievement and effort rewards

Alternative: Verbal praise, certificates, stamps

Key Vocabulary

Butterfly pose

Sitting with knees bent, feet together, moving knees like butterfly wings

Lion pose

Kneeling pose with hands on knees, tongue out, making roaring sound

Mountain pose

Standing tall and strong with feet apart, arms by sides

Tree pose

Standing on one leg with arms like branches

Cobra pose

Lying on tummy, lifting head and chest, making hissing sound

Child's pose

Kneeling with forehead on ground, hands tucked under

Deep breathing

Taking slow, controlled breaths through nose and mouth

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic body awareness and balance
Following simple movement instructions
Understanding of breathing in and out

Current Skills

Specific yoga poses (butterfly, mountain, tree, lion, cobra, child's pose)
Coordinated breathing with movement
Creative animal movement interpretation

Next Steps

More complex yoga sequences
Advanced balance poses
Self-directed relaxation techniques

Milestone Indicators

Can hold poses for 10-15 seconds

Demonstrates calm, controlled breathing

Shows creativity in movement interpretation

Key Teaching Points

Always prioritise comfort over perfect pose alignment
Model calm, deep breathing throughout the entire lesson
Use storytelling to maintain engagement and context
Encourage individual interpretation rather than perfect copying
Create inclusive atmosphere where all attempts are valued
Connect yoga practice to emotional wellbeing and daily life
Maintain gentle, supportive voice tone throughout

Common Misconceptions

Children thinking they must achieve perfect poses - emphasise effort and comfort over perfection
Belief that yoga is only about flexibility - highlight strength, balance, and breathing aspects
Assumption that everyone must do poses the same way - celebrate individual differences and modifications
Fear that relaxation time is 'doing nothing' - explain the importance of calm and rest for learning
Thinking that wobbling in balance poses means failure - normalize wobbling as part of learning balance

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter hold times for poses, more frequent changes of activity, clear boundaries and expectations

dyspraxia

Break poses down into smaller steps, provide additional support and time, focus on effort over precision

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson structure, quiet space available if needed, consistent routine and clear expectations

visual impairment

Use clear verbal descriptions of poses, allow tactile exploration of positions, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, use of hand signals, written pose cards with pictures

physical disability

Seated versions of all poses, chair support for standing poses, alternative movements that suit individual abilities

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Listening to jungle stories, learning animal vocabulary, following sequential instructions

Maths

Counting breaths, timing poses, spatial awareness and positioning, symmetry in poses

Science

Learning about breathing, body systems, how exercise affects the body, animal characteristics and habitats

Geography

Exploring jungle environments, discussing different climates and habitats around the world

PSHE

Emotional regulation through breathing, building confidence and self-esteem, cooperation and encouragement

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move freely around students to provide individual support and adjustments, maintain clear sightlines to all students

Observation Focus

Watch for correct pose alignment, breathing coordination, emotional responses, cooperation between students

Intervention Points

Step in if poses are being forced, support students struggling with balance, help those uncomfortable with relaxation

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate poses clearly before students attempt them, show modifications for different abilities, model calm breathing throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe slowly and deeply'
•'Only stretch as far as feels comfortable'
•'It's okay to wobble in balance poses'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 6m x 8m clear space, or school hall, suitable for lying down activities

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface suitable for bare feet or socks, yoga mats if available

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check yoga mats are clean and non-slip
•Ensure adequate spacing between mats
•Story book in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during balance poses
•Strain from forced stretching
•Discomfort during floor poses
•Emotional response to relaxation

Risk Mitigation

•Extra space around students attempting balance poses
•No forcing of stretches or poses - individual comfort respected
•Alternative positions offered for all poses
•Calm, supportive atmosphere maintained throughout

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all students during balance work
•Move around during poses to provide individual support
•Monitor comfort levels during floor work

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if any student shows distress, provide comfort and alternative position, appropriate first aid for any falls