Lesson 4 - Mother Earth Yoga Poses
Mindful Creative Movement
•Year 2
•Yoga
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Arrange in rows with arm's length spacing between students
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares if mats unavailable
Display around room or use as prompt cards
Alternative: Hand-drawn images or describe verbally
Soft nature sounds or gentle instrumental music
Alternative: Sing gentle songs or maintain silence
'Dinosaurs and All that Rubbish' by Michael Foreman or similar
Alternative: Make up environmental story or use any nature book
Key Vocabulary
Things that happen in nature like storms, rainbows, waves
Staying steady and not falling over during yoga poses
Standing tall and strong like a mountain with feet firmly planted
Balancing on one foot with the other foot placed on the leg
Taking air in through the nose and out through the mouth mindfully
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
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