Lesson 1 - Jungle Adventure Yoga
Imaginative Yoga
•Year 2
•Yoga
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can yoga poses help us feel calm, strong and brave like jungle animals?
Learning Objectives
- To perform butterfly and lion poses with correct technique
- To understand the importance of controlled breathing during movement
- To experiment with different ways of moving inspired by jungle animals
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate butterfly pose with controlled leg movements
- Students will perform lion pose with coordinated breathing and facial expressions
- Students will create their own animal-inspired movements with confidence
Equipment & Resources Required
Spread out evenly with safe spacing between students
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares if mats unavailable
Keep nearby for relaxation session
Alternative: Downloaded jungle sounds or nature documentary clips
Volume low enough for clear instruction hearing
Alternative: Natural silence if preferred
Key Vocabulary
Sitting with knees bent out to sides, feet together, moving knees like butterfly wings
Kneeling pose with fierce facial expression, tongue out, and roaring sound
Standing balance on one foot with arms representing branches
Standing tall and strong with feet apart, arms by sides
Lying on tummy, lifting head and chest off floor
Kneeling with forehead on floor, arms tucked underneath
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic body awareness and control
- Simple balance skills on two feet
- Understanding of breathing in and out
Current Skills
- Static balance poses (tree, mountain)
- Coordinated breathing with movement
- Animal-inspired movement patterns
Next Steps
- More complex yoga sequences
- Partner yoga poses
- Extended relaxation and mindfulness
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always emphasise comfort and safety over perfect pose execution
- Use breathing as foundation for all pose work
- Connect yoga practice to emotional wellbeing and real-life applications
- Encourage individual expression within structured pose framework
- Create inclusive atmosphere where all abilities are celebrated
- Model calm, peaceful energy throughout the lesson
- Use story context to maintain engagement and imagination
Common Misconceptions
- Yoga poses must be performed perfectly - correct by emphasising comfort and individual capability
- Breathing should be forced or controlled - teach natural, relaxed breathing patterns
- Balance poses should be held without any wobbling - explain that movement is natural and okay
- Flexibility must improve immediately - explain that yoga is about gradual progress and feeling good
- Relaxation time is boring - help children understand the value of rest and calm
- Yoga is only for flexible people - demonstrate modifications and celebrate all body types
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter pose holds initially, more frequent transitions, clear boundaries for movement, fidget alternatives
dyspraxia
- Simplified movements, extra practice time, verbal cues for body positioning, celebration of effort over perfection
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of poses, quiet space available for breaks, sensory considerations
visual impairment
- Clear verbal descriptions of all poses, use of tactile guidance for positioning, buddy system for support
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all movements, use of sign language if known, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Chair-based modifications for all poses, focus on upper body movements, alternative positions for comfort
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development through yoga terms, storytelling during relaxation, descriptive language for animal movements
Science
Understanding breathing and how it affects our body, exploring animal characteristics and habitats
Geography
Learning about jungle environments and animals from different continents
PSHE
Emotional regulation, self-awareness, mindfulness, building confidence and resilience
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location visible to all students, move around during practice to support individuals
Observation Focus
Monitor pose technique, breathing coordination, and emotional engagement with activities
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with balance, forcing poses, or becoming frustrated
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Always model calm, controlled movements. Show modifications for different abilities. Use exaggerated facial expressions for animal poses to encourage participation.
Verbal Cues
- •'Gentle movements, like slow motion'
- •'Breathe naturally, don't hold your breath'
- •'It's okay to wobble - trees sway in the wind!'
- •'Listen to your body and rest when you need to'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 4m x 6m clear space, carpeted or matted surface ideal
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from obstacles, mats properly positioned
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Yoga mats clean and in good condition
- •Adequate spacing between mats (minimum 1 metre)
- •Remove any sharp objects or tripping hazards
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls during balance poses
- •Overstretching in butterfly pose
- •Back strain in cobra pose
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise controlled movements over perfect poses
- •Allow modifications for limited flexibility
- •Clear instruction on safe lifting in cobra pose
- •Teacher demonstrates safe technique for all poses
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Circulate during balance practice to assist if needed
- •Monitor cobra pose for appropriate lifting level
- •Watch for children forcing positions beyond comfort
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, contact school office if needed