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Lesson 6 - Deep Sea Diving Adventure

Imaginative Yoga Story Journeys

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Nursery

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Yoga

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30 min

Big Question

How can we use our bodies to tell stories about adventures under the sea?

Learning Objectives

Hold yoga poses that represent sea creatures and underwater features
Use movement and gesture to express feelings about sea adventures
Develop concentration and breathing awareness through storytelling yoga

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate 6-8 different yoga poses with improving balance and control
Students will create their own octopus pose using imagination and body awareness
Students will show improved concentration during breathing exercises and story time

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per child (30)

Arrange in circle or scattered around room for personal space

Alternative: Carpet squares, towels, or designated floor spaces

Storybook

Keep nearby for relaxation time

Alternative: 'The Snail and The Whale' or 'The Singing Mermaid' by Julia Donaldson, or any sea adventure story

Background Music

1 (optional)

Very quiet volume for relaxation portion

Alternative: Ocean sounds, gentle instrumental music

Props

1 (optional)

Can help children visualise story elements

Alternative: Pictures of sea creatures, underwater scenes

Key Vocabulary

Pose

A position we hold with our body, staying still and strong

Balance

Staying steady on one foot or in a difficult position

Breathing

Taking air in through our nose and out through our mouth to help us feel calm

Concentration

Focusing our mind on one thing, like listening to a story or holding a pose

Forward bend

Bending our body forward from the waist to reach towards our toes

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic body awareness and simple stretching movements
Can follow simple movement instructions
Beginning understanding of breathing for relaxation

Current Skills

Holding static poses with improving balance and control
Coordinating breathing with movement patterns
Using imagination to create poses representing different objects
Developing concentration through storytelling movement

Next Steps

Linking poses together in flowing sequences
Advanced balance poses with arm variations
Creating complete story sequences using multiple poses
Teaching simple poses to peers

Milestone Indicators

Can hold Tree pose for 10+ seconds without support

Demonstrates smooth transitions between poses

Shows improved breathing control during activities

Creates original poses with confidence

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise that wobbling during balance poses is normal and shows learning is happening
Connect breathing awareness to emotional regulation and concentration skills
Use storytelling to make poses meaningful and memorable for young children
Encourage creative interpretation rather than perfect pose execution
Create calm, non-competitive atmosphere where all attempts are valued
Link yoga practice to school readiness skills like concentration and self-regulation
Model gentle, mindful movement throughout the session

Common Misconceptions

Children thinking they must do poses perfectly - emphasise personal best and safe practice
Belief that balance poses should be held without any wobbling - normalize learning process
Thinking breathing exercises are boring - connect to story and adventure themes
Assumption that yoga is only physical - highlight emotional and concentration benefits
Misconception that faster is better - emphasise slow, controlled, mindful movement
Believing they're not good at yoga if poses feel difficult - celebrate effort and improvement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide movement breaks, use clear boundaries and expectations

dyspraxia

Simplify pose requirements, allow extra time for transitions, provide physical support as needed

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, offer quiet alternative space if overwhelmed, use visual schedule of poses

visual impairment

Provide clear verbal descriptions of all poses, use tactile guidance for positioning, ensure good lighting for any residual vision

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, simple sign language if known, written visual cues for pose names

physical disability

Offer seated versions of all poses, modify range of motion as needed, use supportive equipment if available

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Story listening skills, vocabulary development (pose names, sea creatures), following complex instructions

Science

Body awareness and how muscles work, breathing and lung function, balance and coordination systems

Geography

Ocean features, underwater environments, different ways to travel (flying, swimming, boats)

PSHE

Emotional regulation, concentration skills, self-awareness, respect for others' space, managing nervousness

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

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

Observation Focus

Watch for balance control, breathing patterns, engagement with story, signs of fatigue or discomfort

Intervention Points

Step in if children forcing stretches, provide balance support as needed, redirect attention during relaxation

Demonstration Notes

Model all poses clearly, show modifications for different abilities, emphasise calm breathing throughout, demonstrate emotional regulation concepts

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe slowly and deeply'
•'Only stretch as far as feels good'
•'Wobbling means you're learning!'
•'Listen to your body'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m clear space, non-slip surface, adequate height clearance for arm movements

Surface Check

Clean, dry, even surface free from objects; yoga mats secure and positioned safely

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Yoga mats checked for stability and cleanliness
•Adequate spacing between mats to prevent contact during movement
•Books and props positioned safely away from movement areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Loss of balance during Tree pose
•Overstretching in forward bends
•Collision during flying movement activity
•Dizziness when returning from forward bends

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise gentle movements and listening to body
•Provide support options for balance poses
•Clear directional guidance during room movement
•Slow transitions between poses
•Accept individual range of motion in stretches

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position centrally for clear visibility of all children
•Monitor balance poses closely for safety
•Watch for signs of dizziness or discomfort
•Ensure calm environment during relaxation time

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, provide appropriate first aid, have children sit quietly while addressing any issues