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Lesson 1 - Jungle Adventure Yoga

Imaginative Yoga

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Year 2

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Yoga

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45 min

Big Question

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

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Spread out evenly with safe spacing between students

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares if mats unavailable

Storybook

Keep nearby for relaxation session

Alternative: Downloaded jungle sounds or nature documentary clips

Background Music

1 (optional)

Volume low enough for clear instruction hearing

Alternative: Natural silence if preferred

Key Vocabulary

Butterfly pose

Sitting with knees bent out to sides, feet together, moving knees like butterfly wings

Lion pose

Kneeling pose with fierce facial expression, tongue out, and roaring sound

Tree pose

Standing balance on one foot with arms representing branches

Mountain pose

Standing tall and strong with feet apart, arms by sides

Cobra pose

Lying on tummy, lifting head and chest off floor

Child's pose

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

Can hold poses for required duration

Shows controlled breathing throughout

Demonstrates creativity in animal movements

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