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Lesson 5 - Roman Warriors Yoga Journey

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 brave Roman warriors?

Learning Objectives

Hold yoga poses that represent Roman themes and characters
Practice breathing techniques for emotional regulation
Develop balance, flexibility and body awareness through themed movement

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate 5+ Roman-themed yoga poses with control
Students will use breathing techniques when feeling nervous or excited
Students will show improved balance and flexibility through sustained poses

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per child (30)

Arrange in circle or scattered around room with clear pathways

Alternative: Towels or marked floor spaces

Story Book About Romans/Knight

Ready for relaxation session

Alternative: Printed pictures of Roman soldiers/scenes

Background Music

1 speaker/device

Very quiet volume for relaxation

Alternative: Natural voice guidance only

Cards

8-10 cards

Large, clear pictures of each pose

Alternative: Teacher demonstration only

Key Vocabulary

Pose

A still position that we hold with our body

Balance

Standing steady without wobbling or falling

Warrior

A brave person who protects others

Bridge

Something that helps us cross from one place to another

Mountain

A very tall, strong piece of land

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic body awareness and following simple movement instructions
Understanding of up, down, and basic directional concepts
Ability to sit and listen for short periods

Current Skills

Holding static poses with increasing stability
Using breathing techniques for emotional regulation
Creating themed movements and poses

Next Steps

Longer pose sequences and flows
Partner yoga poses and cooperation
Independent relaxation and mindfulness

Milestone Indicators

Sustained balance on one foot for 5+ seconds

Voluntary use of breathing techniques

Creating own poses inspired by themes

Key Teaching Points

Always emphasise comfort and personal limits over perfect pose execution
Use breathing as a tool for emotional regulation and focus throughout
Connect all poses to the Roman theme for engagement and memory
Encourage creative interpretation while maintaining safety guidelines
Model calm, peaceful energy to support children's relaxation and focus
Celebrate individual progress and effort rather than comparison to others
Use storytelling and imagination to make poses meaningful and memorable

Common Misconceptions

Thinking yoga poses must look exactly like teacher demonstration - emphasise individual variation
Believing they must force flexibility - teach that bodies develop gradually
Assuming they should feel strain or discomfort - emphasise comfort and ease
Thinking breathing exercises are boring - connect to emotional benefits and warrior strength
Believing balance poses should be perfect immediately - normalize wobbling as part of learning

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity segments, movement breaks, clear boundaries, fidget-friendly alternatives to stillness

dyspraxia

Simplified pose instructions, extra time for positioning, use of props for support, focus on effort over accuracy

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet space available, consistent routine, reduced sensory input options

visual impairment

Clear verbal descriptions of all poses, tactile guidance for positioning, use of textured mats for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, hand signals, picture cards showing poses, vibrations for rhythm awareness

physical disability

Seated modifications for all poses, use of chairs or cushions for support, focus on breathing and mindfulness

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Listening to stories, vocabulary development, following instructions

Science

Body awareness, balance, breathing, and physical responses to relaxation

Geography

Understanding mountains, roads, travel, and Roman territories

History

Learning about Romans, their innovations, daily life, and empire

PSHE

Emotional regulation, self-awareness, confidence building, cooperation

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location for demonstrations, move around group during practice for individual support

Observation Focus

Watch for balance development, breathing patterns, emotional regulation, and creative expression

Intervention Points

Step in if children forcing poses, showing signs of frustration, or if safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate all poses clearly at child's level, emphasise comfort over perfection, model calm breathing throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe slowly and deeply'
•'Only go as far as feels comfortable'
•'Be patient with your body as it learns'
•'Show me your strongest mountain'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 4m x 4m clear space per child, soft flooring or mats

Surface Check

Clean, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check mats are clean and provide adequate cushioning
•Ensure no sharp edges or obstacles in movement area
•Have tissues available for hygiene

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during balance poses
•Overstreching in forward folds and bridges
•Collisions during movement activities
•Discomfort in seated poses

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing guidelines for all activities
•Emphasis on personal limits and comfort
•Progressive introduction of challenging poses
•Constant supervision and modification options

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all children during poses
•Move around during balance poses for individual support
•Monitor for signs of strain or discomfort
•Maintain calm energy to support relaxation

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if child shows pain or distress, assess situation, provide comfort and alternative position, seek additional support if needed