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Lesson 1 - Jungle Yoga Poses and Breathing

Mindful Creative Movement

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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 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

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arranged in grid formation with 2m spacing between mats

Alternative: Towels or marked floor spaces

Music Player

Positioned centrally for even sound distribution

Alternative: Smartphone with speaker

Cards

10-15 cards

Ready for quick reference during animal poses

Alternative: Printed images or tablet display

Storybook

1 (Monkey Puzzle or similar)

Available for relaxation section

Alternative: Any jungle-themed children's book

Key Vocabulary

Pose

A specific body position held still and steady

Breathing

Taking air slowly in through the nose and out through the mouth

Balance

Staying steady without wobbling or falling

Focus

Concentrating your mind on what you're doing

Alignment

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

Holds poses for 10-15 seconds with stability

Demonstrates smooth, controlled breathing

Shows improvement in flexibility and balance

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