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Lesson 2 - Arctic Animal Poses and Mindfulness

Imaginative Yoga

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Year 2

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Yoga

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use our bodies to show the animals and features of the Arctic whilst staying calm and focused?

Learning Objectives

To demonstrate animal poses inspired by Arctic creatures with control and balance
To practice breathing techniques and mindfulness skills for emotional regulation
To show understanding of Arctic animals through movement and pose sequences

Key Outcomes

Students will perform at least 5 different Arctic-themed yoga poses with improving balance and control
Students will use breathing techniques to calm themselves and prepare for activities
Students will demonstrate knowledge of Arctic animals through creative movement and poses

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arranged in scattered formation around the room with clear pathways

Alternative: Towels or marked floor spaces

Storybook

Ready for relaxation section

Alternative: Printed Arctic animal pictures or tablet with images

Background Music

1 speaker/device

Volume low enough for clear voice instructions

Alternative: Natural room acoustics for breathing sounds

Key Vocabulary

Balance

Staying steady and not falling over when in different positions

Breathing technique

Special ways of breathing in and out to help us feel calm and focused

Pose

A special position we hold our body in, like animals do

Mindfulness

Paying attention to how our body and mind feel right now

Arctic

A very cold place where special animals live, like polar bears and penguins

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic balance on one foot for short periods
Simple animal movements from previous lessons
Understanding of breathing in and out

Current Skills

Arctic animal pose sequences with improved balance
Breathing techniques for emotional regulation
Sustained focus during mindfulness activities

Next Steps

More complex balance poses requiring core strength
Partner yoga poses requiring cooperation
Extended mindfulness and relaxation sequences

Milestone Indicators

Can hold Tree pose for 10 seconds without support

Uses breathing techniques independently when needed

Demonstrates smooth transitions between poses

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise breathing as a tool for emotional regulation and focus
Allow children to work at their own pace and comfort level in all poses
Use positive reinforcement for effort and participation rather than perfect form
Connect each pose to the Arctic animal or feature it represents
Encourage mindful awareness of how poses make children feel
Provide clear safety guidelines for balance poses and transitions
Model calm, focused energy throughout the lesson

Common Misconceptions

Children thinking they must be perfectly still in balance poses - explain that wobbling is normal
Believing yoga is only for flexible people - emphasise that everyone can do yoga at their level
Thinking breathing exercises are boring - show how they're powerful tools for feeling better
Assuming poses must look exactly like the teacher's - celebrate individual differences
Believing that falling out of a pose means failure - reframe as learning and trying again

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter pose holds initially, provide movement breaks, clear and simple instructions

dyspraxia

Break down poses into smaller steps, use wall support for balance, allow extra time for positioning

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of poses, allow sensory breaks, offer quiet space during relaxation

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of all poses, provide physical guidance for positioning, ensure child has tactile reference points

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, visual cues for breathing, ensure child can see teacher at all times

physical disability

Adapt poses for seated position, use chair support for standing poses, focus on upper body movements

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development, following and giving instructions, creative expression through movement

Science

Learning about Arctic animals and their adaptations, understanding breathing and how it affects our bodies

Geography

Exploring Arctic regions, climate, and animal habitats through movement and discussion

PSHE

Emotional regulation strategies, building confidence, respecting differences in ability

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around room to provide individual support, position centrally for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for balance improvement, emotional regulation, and engagement levels

Intervention Points

Step in if children show discomfort in poses, provide alternatives for different abilities

Demonstration Notes

Show poses with clear alignment, offer modifications, emphasise effort over perfection

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe like you're smelling flowers, breathe out like you're blowing out candles'
•'Tree roots are strong and steady, just like your standing leg'
•'Gentle movements, like you're moving through thick honey'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 4m x 6m hall space, allowing 2m x 1m per child for pose practice

Surface Check

Clean, non-slip surface free from obstacles, mats or carpet for comfort

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check yoga mats are clean and non-slip
•Ensure adequate cushions available for children with knee discomfort
•Remove any sharp objects or furniture from movement area

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during balance poses
•Wrist strain in Downward Dog
•Knee discomfort in seated poses
•Collision during movement sequences

Risk Mitigation

•Start balance poses with wall or partner support options
•Teach progressive approach to challenging poses
•Provide alternative positions for children with physical limitations
•Maintain clear pathways and spacing during movement

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all children during balance poses
•Monitor for signs of discomfort or overexertion
•Watch for children forcing poses beyond their flexibility

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, provide first aid as appropriate, contact school first aider if needed