🧘

Lesson 4 - Mother Earth Yoga Poses

Mindful Creative Movement

•

Year 2

•

Yoga

•

45 min

Big Question

How can we use yoga to connect with Mother Earth and understand natural phenomena?

Learning Objectives

To perform yoga poses that represent natural phenomena with control and balance
To demonstrate understanding of natural phenomena through movement and pose creation
To show self-confidence and motivation during yoga practice

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully perform at least 6 different yoga poses representing nature
Students will create their own sunflower pose demonstrating creativity and understanding
Students will work cooperatively to interpret natural phenomena through movement

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arrange in rows with arm's length spacing between students

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares if mats unavailable

Pictures of Natural Phenomena

1 set (12.5 images)

Display around room or use as prompt cards

Alternative: Hand-drawn images or describe verbally

Background Music

Audio system

Soft nature sounds or gentle instrumental music

Alternative: Sing gentle songs or maintain silence

Books

1 copy

'Dinosaurs and All that Rubbish' by Michael Foreman or similar

Alternative: Make up environmental story or use any nature book

Key Vocabulary

Natural phenomena

Things that happen in nature like storms, rainbows, waves

Balance

Staying steady and not falling over during yoga poses

Mountain pose

Standing tall and strong like a mountain with feet firmly planted

Tree pose

Balancing on one foot with the other foot placed on the leg

Breathing

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

Child's pose

A resting yoga position sitting back on heels with head down

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic body awareness and simple balancing
Following simple movement instructions
Understanding of breathing in and out
Recognition of common nature words like tree, rain, sun

Current Skills

Performing yoga poses representing nature with control
Creating original movements inspired by natural phenomena
Demonstrating balance and coordination in various positions
Understanding the connection between breath and movement

Next Steps

Linking multiple yoga poses into flowing sequences
Teaching yoga movements to others
Creating longer nature-inspired yoga stories
Understanding more complex environmental concepts

Milestone Indicators

Student can hold tree pose for at least 10 seconds on each leg

Student creates unique interpretation of sunflower pose

Student demonstrates steady breathing throughout practice

Student shows respect for nature through mindful movement

Key Teaching Points

Always emphasise safety and individual limits in yoga practice
Connect every movement to nature imagery to enhance engagement and understanding
Focus on breathing awareness throughout all activities
Encourage creative interpretation rather than perfect replication
Link yoga practice to environmental awareness and kindness
Provide modifications and support for all ability levels
Maintain calm, peaceful energy throughout the lesson

Common Misconceptions

Yoga poses must look identical for everyone - emphasise individual body differences
Stretching should be forced or painful - teach gentle, comfortable stretching
Balance poses are about being perfectly still - show that small adjustments are normal
Faster movement means better yoga - emphasise slow, controlled, mindful movement
Only certain body types can do yoga - demonstrate that yoga is for every body
Breathing is automatic and doesn't need attention - teach conscious breathing awareness

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear boundaries for movement space, frequent positive feedback, allow movement breaks between poses

dyspraxia

Break poses down into smaller steps, provide extra practice time, use wall support for all balances

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of poses, maintain calm predictable routine, offer quiet space if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use clear verbal descriptions of poses, provide tactile guidance for positioning, partner support for balance

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations, written cards with pose names, tap shoulders gently for attention

physical disability

Seated versions of all poses, chair support for balance challenges, focus on upper body movements

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development with nature terms, listening skills during stories, expressing ideas about environmental care

Science

Understanding natural phenomena, exploring forces and movement, investigating how plants grow and respond to sunlight

Art

Creative expression through movement, interpreting natural forms through body shapes, exploring colours and patterns in nature

Geography

Learning about weather patterns, natural environments, and how humans interact with nature

PSHE

Developing self-confidence, showing kindness and care for others and environment, understanding mindfulness and calm

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear view of all students, move around to provide individual support during poses

Observation Focus

Watch for safe alignment, controlled movements, steady breathing, and engagement with nature themes

Intervention Points

Step in if students forcing stretches, losing balance unsafely, or becoming overly excited during creative movement

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate all poses clearly with emphasis on safety, show modifications for different abilities, model calm and mindful energy throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe deeply and feel your body like a strong tree'
•'Soft movements like gentle waves in the ocean'
•'Find your balance point and grow tall like a mountain'
•'Listen to your body and rest when you need to'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 4m x 4m per student for yoga movements, clear of obstacles and with non-slip surface

Surface Check

Yoga mats or carpet provide adequate cushioning, check for any slippery areas or obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Yoga mats flat and positioned safely with adequate spacing
•Story book and any pictures secured and accessible to teacher
•Any props or supports positioned safely within reach

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Loss of balance during tree pose and other standing balances
•Overstretching during forward folds and other stretches
•Dizziness from position changes or breathing exercises
•Wrist strain during downward dog and table poses

Risk Mitigation

•Wall support available for all balance poses
•Emphasise soft knees and no forcing in stretches
•Slow transitions between standing and floor positions
•Modify poses to knees and forearms to reduce wrist pressure
•Constant reminder about individual limits and modifications

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all students during balance challenges
•Monitor breathing and comfort during holds
•Watch for signs of fatigue or discomfort
•Be ready to provide physical support during balances

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any loss of balance or discomfort, provide first aid if needed, ensure students sit or lie down if feeling dizzy