Lesson 6 - Deep Sea Diving Adventure
Imaginative Yoga Story Journeys
•Nursery
•Yoga
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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
Arrange in circle or scattered around room for personal space
Alternative: Carpet squares, towels, or designated floor spaces
Keep nearby for relaxation time
Alternative: 'The Snail and The Whale' or 'The Singing Mermaid' by Julia Donaldson, or any sea adventure story
Very quiet volume for relaxation portion
Alternative: Ocean sounds, gentle instrumental music
Can help children visualise story elements
Alternative: Pictures of sea creatures, underwater scenes
Key Vocabulary
A position we hold with our body, staying still and strong
Staying steady on one foot or in a difficult position
Taking air in through our nose and out through our mouth to help us feel calm
Focusing our mind on one thing, like listening to a story or holding a pose
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
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