Lesson 1 - Jungle Yoga Poses and Breathing
Mindful Creative Movement
•Year 2
•Yoga
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we use our bodies to move like jungle animals whilst staying calm and focused?
Learning Objectives
- Develop body awareness and control through jungle-themed yoga poses
- Learn proper breathing techniques to enhance relaxation and focus
- Understand the importance of quiet concentration during yoga practice
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate 6-8 different yoga poses inspired by jungle animals
- Students will show controlled breathing patterns throughout the session
- Students will maintain focus and quiet behaviour during pose sequences
Equipment & Resources Required
Arranged in grid formation with 2m spacing between mats
Alternative: Towels or marked floor spaces
Positioned centrally for even sound distribution
Alternative: Smartphone with speaker
Ready for quick reference during animal poses
Alternative: Printed images or tablet display
Available for relaxation section
Alternative: Any jungle-themed children's book
Key Vocabulary
A specific body position held still and steady
Taking air slowly in through the nose and out through the mouth
Staying steady without wobbling or falling
Concentrating your mind on what you're doing
Having your body in the correct position
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic body awareness and simple movements
- Understanding of different animals and their characteristics
- Experience following simple instructions and routines
Current Skills
- Jungle-themed yoga poses with proper alignment
- Controlled breathing techniques for relaxation
- Balance and body control in static positions
Next Steps
- Flowing sequences linking multiple poses
- Advanced balance poses and inversions
- Creating own yoga routines with partner work
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Breathing is more important than perfect pose alignment - encourage slow, steady breathing throughout
- Comfort and safety over achievement - never force poses or stretches beyond comfortable range
- Individual interpretation encouraged - yoga poses can look different on different bodies
- Create calm, peaceful atmosphere - speak softly and model relaxed energy
- Focus on the process not perfection - praise effort and improvement rather than comparing children
- Use wall support generously - balance poses are challenging and support builds confidence
- Maintain yoga principles in games - even when being creative, keep focus on control and breathing
Common Misconceptions
- Children think they must achieve perfect pose alignment - emphasise personal best over perfect form
- Belief that yoga is only about flexibility - highlight strength, balance and mental focus elements
- Thinking breathing is automatic and doesn't need attention - teach conscious breathing control
- Assumption that everyone should look the same in poses - celebrate individual body differences
- Belief that relaxation poses are boring - help children understand the challenge of mental stillness
- Misconception that yoga is competitive - emphasise personal journey and individual progress
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Clear boundaries marked with mats, frequent movement between poses, role as helper or demonstrator
dyspraxia
- Simplified pose instructions, extra support for balance poses, focus on breathing rather than complex positioning
autism spectrum
- Predictable routine structure, visual schedule of poses, quiet space option, sensory considerations for music
visual impairment
- Detailed verbal descriptions of poses, physical guidance for positioning, buddy system for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, written pose cards, vibrations or visual signals for breathing cues
physical disability
- Seated versions of all poses, chair yoga adaptations, focus on achievable movements and breathing
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development with animal names and descriptive movement words
Maths
Counting breaths, timing poses, understanding symmetry in balanced poses
Science
Learning about breathing, lung capacity, and how exercise affects the body
Art
Creating flowing movements and poses inspired by animal shapes and forms
Geography
Exploring different jungle environments and animals from around the world
PSHE
Developing self-awareness, managing emotions through breathing, respecting personal space
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around space to see all children, position near children attempting challenging poses
Observation Focus
Watch for pose alignment, breathing patterns, comfort levels, and engagement
Intervention Points
Step in if children forcing poses, showing discomfort, or losing focus
Demonstration Notes
Show modifications for different abilities, emphasise breath over perfect form, model calm energy throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Breathe slowly and deeply'
- •'Only go as far as feels comfortable'
- •'Strong and tall like a mountain'
- •'Soft eyes, calm breathing'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Indoor space minimum 8m x 8m, clean floor suitable for barefoot work
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from hazards, mats positioned with 2m spacing
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check yoga mats for wear and tear
- •Ensure no sharp edges on any props
- •Music equipment positioned safely away from activity area
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls from balance poses
- •Overstretching in flexible positions
- •Discomfort in kneeling or sitting poses
Risk Mitigation
- •Wall support available for all balance poses
- •Emphasis on comfort over perfect form
- •Constant reminders about individual limits
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all children during balance poses
- •Move around during floor work to check comfort
- •Monitor for any signs of discomfort or strain
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess comfort, provide alternative position or rest