Lesson 4 - Tree and Downward Dog Poses
Imaginative Yoga
•Year 2
•Yoga
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use our bodies to show gratitude and connect with Mother Earth through yoga poses?
Learning Objectives
- To perform tree pose with balance and control
- To execute downward dog pose with proper technique
- To understand how yoga can help us appreciate nature
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate tree pose with improved balance
- Students will show correct V-shape formation in downward dog
- Students will connect movement with breathing and mindfulness
Equipment & Resources Required
Spaced arm's length apart in rows
Alternative: Carpet squares, towels on clean floor
Low volume, non-distracting
Alternative: Nature sounds, silence
For relaxation section
Alternative: Environmental story of choice
Key Vocabulary
Standing on one leg with arms like branches
An inverted V-shape with hands and feet on the ground
Staying steady and still in a position
Body position that looks like the letter V
A sequence of yoga poses to honour the sun
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic standing balance
- Simple breathing techniques
- Following movement instructions
Current Skills
- Tree pose balance
- Downward dog technique
- Arm support for balance
Next Steps
- Advanced balancing poses
- Flowing movement sequences
- Independent mindfulness practice
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always prioritise safety over perfect technique
- Encourage personal interpretation and creativity
- Connect all movements to breath awareness
- Emphasise environmental appreciation throughout
- Model mindfulness and respect for nature
- Celebrate individual progress and effort
- Link yoga practice to real-world environmental action
Common Misconceptions
- Students thinking they must touch toes in forward fold - emphasise safe stretching
- Belief that yoga is only for flexible people - show modifications for all abilities
- Thinking balance poses must be held perfectly - celebrate effort and improvement
- Assumption that there's only one right way to do poses - encourage personal expression
- Misconception that yoga is just stretching - highlight breath, mindfulness, and strength aspects
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Regular movement breaks, clear boundaries, positive reinforcement for focus
dyspraxia
- Simplified pose sequences, extra practice time, peer buddy support
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of poses, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
- Clear verbal descriptions of all poses, tactile guidance for positioning, partner support system
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations, written pose cards, hand signals for instructions
physical disability
- Chair-based versions of poses, supported balance options, adapted stretching
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Listening to environmental stories, descriptive language for movement, creative expression
Maths
Counting breaths, timing sequences, spatial awareness, patterns in nature
Science
Living things and their habitats, plants and growth, weather patterns, human body and breathing
Art
Creative movement expression, nature appreciation, visualisation through storytelling
Geography
Weather and climate, environmental care, natural phenomena, mapping natural features
PSHE
Emotional awareness, mindfulness, environmental responsibility, self-care and well-being
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around room during poses to observe technique, stand at front during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for balance improvement, breath awareness, creative expression, environmental connection
Intervention Points
Step in when students forcing poses, losing balance unsafely, or struggling with concepts
Demonstration Notes
Model all poses clearly from front position, emphasise breath coordination, show modifications for different abilities
Verbal Cues
- •'Grow tall like a strong tree'
- •'Breathe slowly and calmly'
- •'Listen to your body'
- •'Show me your own special way'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 15m clear space, soft flooring surface
Surface Check
Clean, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Yoga mats flat and secure, no curled edges
- •Adequate spacing between mats (2 metres minimum)
- •Sound system at appropriate volume for relaxation
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Loss of balance during tree pose
- •Wrist strain in downward dog
- •Overstretching in forward folds
- •Dizziness from position changes
Risk Mitigation
- •Wall support available for balance poses
- •Emphasise listening to body limits
- •Teach proper wrist placement and support
- •Slow transitions between lying and standing
- •No forcing of flexibility or balance
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all students during balance poses
- •Monitor wrist alignment in downward dog
- •Check comfort levels during relaxation
- •Watch for signs of dizziness or discomfort
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed