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Lesson 4 - Tree and Downward Dog Poses

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 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

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Spaced arm's length apart in rows

Alternative: Carpet squares, towels on clean floor

Background Music

1 playlist

Low volume, non-distracting

Alternative: Nature sounds, silence

Storybook

For relaxation section

Alternative: Environmental story of choice

Key Vocabulary

Tree pose

Standing on one leg with arms like branches

Downward dog

An inverted V-shape with hands and feet on the ground

Balance

Staying steady and still in a position

V-shape

Body position that looks like the letter V

Sun salutation

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

Can balance on one foot for increasing durations

Shows understanding of V-shape body position

Demonstrates controlled breathing during poses

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