Lesson 4 - Tree Pose and Downward Dog
Imaginative Mindfulness in Yoga
•Year 1
•Yoga
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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- Complete activity instructions & timing
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How can we use our bodies to copy the shapes and movements we see in nature?
Learning Objectives
- To perform tree pose with control and balance
- To perform downward dog pose with proper alignment
- To understand how breathing helps with balance and concentration
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate tree pose on both feet
- Students will show V-shape in downward dog position
- Students will use arms effectively to support balance
Equipment & Resources Required
Arranged in grid pattern with space between each mat
Alternative: Carpet squares, towels, or clear floor space
Soft instrumental or nature sounds at low volume
Alternative: Tablet with speaker, nature sounds
Displayed where all students can see clearly
Alternative: Printed images of poses, teacher demonstration
Key Vocabulary
Standing on one foot with arms like branches
Hands and feet on ground making a V-shape
Being steady and still without wobbling
Body position that looks like the letter V
Standing tall and strong with feet apart
Kneeling with forehead down for rest and calm
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic standing balance on one foot
- Simple stretching movements
- Following movement instructions
Current Skills
- Tree pose with different arm positions
- Downward dog pose technique
- Using breath to support balance
Next Steps
- Advanced balancing poses
- Flow sequences between poses
- Partner yoga activities
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Safety first: never place foot on side of supporting knee in tree pose
- Breathing is the foundation of all yoga practice - model and encourage throughout
- Balance develops differently for each student - celebrate individual progress
- Create calm, non-competitive atmosphere to support mindfulness learning
- Connect physical poses to real-world environmental awareness and care
- Use creative expression to make abstract concepts concrete and memorable
- End with genuine relaxation to integrate learning and promote wellbeing
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think they need to be perfectly still in balance poses - explain wobbling is normal and part of learning
- Some may believe yoga is only about flexibility - emphasise strength, balance and mental focus equally
- Students might think breathing is automatic and doesn't need attention - teach that mindful breathing improves performance
- Children may assume all poses must look exactly the same - encourage personal variations and modifications
- Some may think relaxation time is 'doing nothing' - explain it's active practice of mindfulness and body awareness
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent movement between poses, clear physical boundaries, regular breathing breaks, tactile mats for grounding
dyspraxia
- Simplified pose instructions, extra time for position setup, wall support for balance, reduced complexity in sequences
autism spectrum
- Visual schedule of lesson sequence, clear routine structure, quiet space available, predictable calming music throughout
visual impairment
- Use tactile guidance for pose alignment, describe poses in detail, provide audio cues for breathing, use partner support for balance
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all poses, written cards with pose names and instructions, use of visual breathing cues and timers
physical disability
- Chair-adapted versions of poses, modified balance activities using support, seated meditation and breathing exercises
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Listening skills during story time, vocabulary development with nature terms, speaking in discussions
Maths
Counting breaths and balance holds, symmetry in body poses, shapes including V-shape and triangles
Science
Learning about living things, plants need light and water to grow, human body systems including breathing
Geography
Natural features of Earth including mountains, weather patterns, caring for our environment
PSHE
Physical health through exercise, emotional wellbeing through mindfulness, caring for environment and community
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around room to observe all students, spend extra time with those needing balance support
Observation Focus
Watch for proper alignment in poses, safe balance attempts, engagement in mindfulness activities
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with balance safety, adjust poses for individual needs, guide over-excited students back to calm focus
Demonstration Notes
Show modifications clearly, emphasise personal progress over perfection, model calm breathing and mindful movement throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Find your strong mountain legs!'
- •'Breathe in calm, breathe out wobbles!'
- •'Your arms are helping you balance!'
- •'Trees grow slowly and patiently!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 4m x 4m per student for full arm extension and safe movement
Surface Check
Non-slip yoga mats or clean, dry floor surface free from debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Yoga mats properly positioned to prevent slipping
- •Adequate spacing between mats for arm movements
- •Music at appropriate volume for instruction hearing
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls from loss of balance in tree pose
- •Wrist strain in downward dog position
- •Collisions during creative movement game
Risk Mitigation
- •Teach proper foot placement (never on side of knee)
- •Encourage use of wall or chair support when needed
- •Provide modifications for wrist sensitivity
- •Clear boundaries for movement activities
- •Emphasise controlled, not competitive movement
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all students during balance poses
- •Monitor wrist comfort in downward dog
- •Watch for over-excitement during creative movement
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess student comfort, provide first aid if needed, adapt activity for injured student