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Lesson 6 - Deep Sea Yoga Adventure

Adventure Yoga: Body Awareness

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Reception

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Yoga

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use our bodies to tell the story of an underwater adventure?

Learning Objectives

To hold yoga poses that represent sea life and underwater features
To develop concentration and breathing techniques through storytelling
To create movement sequences that express feelings about ocean exploration

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate 6-8 yoga poses with improved balance and control
Students will show understanding of breathing techniques during movement
Students will express creativity through movement interpretation of sea themes

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arranged in circle or scattered formation with arm's length spacing

Alternative: Carpet squares, towels, or designated floor spaces

Background Music

1 audio system

Volume low enough for clear instruction hearing

Alternative: Ocean sounds app, nature sounds, or quiet instrumental music

Storybook

Available for relaxation time - suggested: 'The Snail and The Whale'

Alternative: Visual prompt cards with sea creatures, tablet with images

Key Vocabulary

Breathe

Taking air in through your nose and out through your mouth slowly and calmly

Balance

Staying steady on one foot or in a position without falling over

Pose

A special position we hold our body in, like a statue

Concentration

Thinking really hard about what you're doing and not getting distracted

Sequence

Doing movements one after another in the right order

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic yoga poses (Tree, Mountain, Child's pose)
Simple breathing awareness
Following movement instructions

Current Skills

Themed yoga sequences
Story-based movement
Advanced balance poses
Coordinated breathing patterns

Next Steps

Creating own yoga stories
Partner yoga poses
More complex sequences
Teaching poses to others

Milestone Indicators

Holds poses for 10+ seconds without wobbling

Demonstrates controlled breathing during movement

Shows creativity in interpreting story through movement

Helps others with pose positioning

Key Teaching Points

Always emphasise breathing awareness and never hold breath during poses
Focus on effort and personal progress rather than perfect pose achievement
Create narrative connections to maintain engagement throughout lesson
Provide multiple pose modifications to ensure all students can participate successfully
Use calming voice and peaceful atmosphere to support relaxation and concentration
Encourage creative interpretation while maintaining safety guidelines
Connect yoga practice to emotional regulation and school concentration skills

Common Misconceptions

Thinking yoga poses must be held perfectly - emphasise personal best effort over perfect form
Believing flexibility is required to start yoga - show that yoga develops flexibility over time
Assuming breathing is automatic and doesn't need attention - teach conscious breathing awareness
Thinking balancing should be easy immediately - explain that balance improves with practice
Believing yoga is just stretching - highlight concentration, breathing and mindfulness aspects
Assuming relaxation time is boring - explain how it helps build focus and calm feelings

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide movement breaks, use clear boundaries and expectations, offer alternative seating for relaxation

dyspraxia

Simplify pose instructions, allow extra time for positioning, use visual cues and modelling, provide physical supports as needed

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of lesson structure, offer quiet corner for overwhelming moments, use consistent routine and language, allow fidget tools during relaxation

visual impairment

Use clear verbal descriptions of poses, allow tactile guidance for positioning, use high contrast mats, ensure clear audio instructions

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations, clear gestures and sign language if known, written instruction cards, vibrating cues for breathing rhythm

physical disability

Offer seated versions of all poses, use chair support for standing poses, adapt movements to individual range of motion, allow personal aide assistance

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development with yoga terms, storytelling through movement, listening skills during story relaxation

Maths

Counting breaths in sequences, timing pose holds, spatial awareness and positioning, symmetry in balanced poses

Science

Learning about breathing and lungs, understanding balance and centre of gravity, exploring ocean life and sea creatures

Geography

Exploring ocean environments, understanding different landscapes (mountains, beaches), mapping underwater features

PSHE

Emotional regulation through breathing, building confidence, cooperation during group activities, mindfulness and concentration

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position centrally where all students can see demonstrations clearly, move around room during independent practice to provide individual support

Observation Focus

Watch for safe pose alignment, breathing patterns, emotional regulation during challenges, and group dynamics during activities

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with balance, showing frustration, or not engaging safely with activities

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate poses first showing correct form, highlight safety points, show modifications for different abilities, use calm, soothing voice throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe slowly and deeply'
•'Find your strong, steady balance'
•'Listen to your body and only do what feels comfortable'
•'Soft movements like floating underwater'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 12m clear space, soft flooring (mats or carpet), adequate ventilation

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, clean mats or floor area, comfortable temperature for floor-based activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check yoga mats are clean and in good condition
•Ensure audio equipment volume appropriate for instruction hearing
•Verify adequate lighting for safe movement

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during balance poses
•Overstretching in forward folds
•Dizziness from quick position changes
•Breathing difficulties during relaxation

Risk Mitigation

•Walls available for balance support during Tree pose
•Emphasise never forcing poses beyond comfort
•Teach slow transitions between standing and floor positions
•Monitor students during breathing exercises for any distress

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all students during poses
•Monitor balance poses closely for fall prevention
•Watch for signs of overexertion or discomfort
•Check engagement during relaxation time

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, have first aider contact details available