Lesson 5 - Roman Warriors & Yoga Poses
Adventure Yoga: Body Awareness
•Reception
•Yoga
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can yoga poses help us travel back in time and become brave Roman warriors?
Learning Objectives
- To hold yoga poses that depict Romans and Roman life with increasing control
- To understand more about Roman culture through movement and storytelling
- To practice appropriate safety measures during yoga activities
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate 6-8 different yoga poses representing Roman themes
- Students will connect historical learning with physical movement
- Students will show awareness of personal safety during pose practice
Equipment & Resources Required
Arrange in circle or grid pattern with 1m spacing
Alternative: Carpet squares, towels, or marked floor spaces
Set at low volume for background ambiance
Alternative: Nature sounds, calming instrumental music
Have ready for relaxation segment
Alternative: Any Roman/knight themed story or picture cards
Display around room for inspiration
Alternative: Simple drawings, toy soldiers, or costume pieces
Key Vocabulary
A strong standing pose with arms stretched wide and front knee bent
Lying on back with knees bent, lifting hips to make a bridge shape
Standing tall and strong with feet apart and arms by sides
Balancing on one foot with arms moving like tree branches
Kneeling position with forehead on floor, used for resting
Ancient people who lived long ago and built a great empire
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic body awareness and simple yoga poses
- Understanding of breathing techniques
- Ability to follow simple movement instructions
Current Skills
- Holding themed poses with historical context
- Balancing poses with arm movements
- Creating imaginative movements
Next Steps
- Sequencing multiple poses into flows
- Creating group poses and partner work
- Advanced balance and strength poses
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Safety always comes first - modify poses rather than force them
- Connect each pose to Roman history to enhance learning engagement
- Emphasise breathing coordination with movement throughout
- Use storytelling to maintain focus and imagination
- Celebrate effort and creativity over perfect pose execution
- Build confidence through progressive pose development
- Create calm, respectful atmosphere for yoga practice
Common Misconceptions
- Yoga poses must be perfect - emphasise personal best effort
- Balance poses should be held for long periods - focus on quality over duration
- Only flexible children can do yoga - show modifications for all abilities
- Yoga is just stretching - explain strength, focus, and mindfulness aspects
- Roman history is separate from movement - demonstrate clear connections throughout
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Include movement breaks, clear boundaries, immediate positive feedback, shorter holds
dyspraxia
- Break poses into smaller steps, provide physical support, allow extra practice time
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routine structure, use visual schedules, offer quiet space if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use clear verbal descriptions of poses, allow tactile guidance, provide consistent mat positioning
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations, hand signals, written pose cards, maintain visual contact
physical disability
- Offer seated versions of poses, adapt for wheelchairs, provide support aids as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Story listening, vocabulary development, creative expression through movement
Science
Understanding body systems, balance, breathing, and physical responses to exercise
Geography
Understanding Roman territories, travel, and infrastructure through spatial awareness
History
Learning about Roman Empire, innovations, culture, and daily life through movement
PSHE
Building confidence, self-belief, patience, and resilience through challenging poses
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around room perimeter to observe all students, position near students who need support
Observation Focus
Watch for safe pose alignment, breathing coordination, balance confidence, engagement with theme
Intervention Points
Step in if students showing strain, losing balance repeatedly, or not following safety guidelines
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate all poses clearly, show modifications for different abilities, emphasise safety over perfection
Verbal Cues
- •'Breathe deeply like a calm warrior'
- •'Make your mountain strong and tall'
- •'Romans were patient and controlled'
- •'Balance like a tree with strong roots'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 15m clear space, non-slip flooring, adequate ventilation
Surface Check
Clean, dry, even surface free from obstacles, yoga mats properly positioned
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check mats are flat and non-slip
- •Ensure adequate spacing between students (1m minimum)
- •Audio equipment at appropriate volume level
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls during balance poses
- •Overstreching in yoga positions
- •Collision during movement activities
- •Breathing difficulties during poses
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and personal space established
- •Wall support available for balance poses
- •Progressive pose instruction with modifications
- •Regular breathing checks during activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all students during poses
- •Monitor balance poses closely for stability
- •Watch for signs of strain or discomfort
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school nurse if needed