Back to activities

Five-Minute Animal Yoga

Copy cat, dog, snake, and tree poses for a quick calm movement break.

Related categories

About this activity

Five-minute animal yoga gives children a short movement reset. Simple poses linked to animals build balance, body awareness, and calm breathing without needing mats or special equipment.

Print & play

Printables to go with this activity

These printable sheets pair with this activity — print, then follow the steps above.

View printables

Materials needed

  • Clear floor space
  • Optional yoga mat
  • Calm music optional

Preparation time

2 minutes

How to play

  1. 1Clear a safe space and name three animal poses to try.
  2. 2Demonstrate cat, dog, and tree poses slowly.
  3. 3Hold each pose for two breaths and swap roles leading.
  4. 4Finish with two deep breaths sitting cross-legged.

Learning benefits

BalanceBody awarenessCalm breathingSelf-regulation

Best for

Tags

yogacalmmovement breakSENindoor

Seasons

all year

Occasions

morning routinetransition timerainy day

Key stages

EYFSKS1

Weather

RainyColdAny Weather

SEN-friendly note

This activity can be adapted with fewer steps, visual prompts, quieter pacing, or a clear start and finish point. Offer choices and adjust sensory input to suit the child.

Safety note

Adult supervision is recommended. Adapt the activity based on your child's age, ability, and environment.

Explore more

Print & play

Related printables

SEN Calm Break Cards printable preview

Routine Chart

Ages 3–11Free2 pages

SEN Calm Break Cards

Gentle break cards with breathing, stretching, and quiet sensory options for overwhelmed children.

Age3-11
Pages2

Keep exploring

Related activities

Rainy Day Bingo Challenge activity image

Rainy Day Bingo Challenge

A printable bingo game for spotting cosy indoor moments, rainy window scenes, and quiet sounds on wet UK afternoons.

Age4-9
Duration15-30m
CostFree
Ages 4–915–30 minsFreeindoorRainy day
View
Outdoor Listening Walk activity image

Outdoor Listening Walk

Walk quietly and tally birds, traffic, wind, and other sounds you hear outside.

Age3-9
Duration15-30m
CostFree
Ages 3–915–30 minsFreeoutdoorRainy day
View
Rainy Window Drawing activity image

Rainy Window Drawing

Draw on condensation or use window pens to create rainy-day art indoors.

Age3-8
Duration15-30m
CostLow Cost
Ages 3–815–30 minsLow-costindoorRainy day
View