Lesson 5 - Roman Warriors Yoga Journey
Imaginative Yoga Story Journeys
•Nursery
•Yoga
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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
Arrange in circle or scattered around room with clear pathways
Alternative: Towels or marked floor spaces
Ready for relaxation session
Alternative: Printed pictures of Roman soldiers/scenes
Very quiet volume for relaxation
Alternative: Natural voice guidance only
Large, clear pictures of each pose
Alternative: Teacher demonstration only
Key Vocabulary
A still position that we hold with our body
Standing steady without wobbling or falling
A brave person who protects others
Something that helps us cross from one place to another
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
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