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Lesson 5 - Roman Warriors & Yoga Poses

Adventure Yoga: Body Awareness

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Reception

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Yoga

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1h 6min

Big Question

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

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arrange in circle or grid pattern with 1m spacing

Alternative: Carpet squares, towels, or marked floor spaces

Relaxation Music

1 audio device

Set at low volume for background ambiance

Alternative: Nature sounds, calming instrumental music

Storybook

1 (optional)

Have ready for relaxation segment

Alternative: Any Roman/knight themed story or picture cards

Visual Aids

Roman-themed pictures or props

Display around room for inspiration

Alternative: Simple drawings, toy soldiers, or costume pieces

Key Vocabulary

Warrior pose

A strong standing pose with arms stretched wide and front knee bent

Bridge pose

Lying on back with knees bent, lifting hips to make a bridge shape

Mountain pose

Standing tall and strong with feet apart and arms by sides

Tree pose

Balancing on one foot with arms moving like tree branches

Child's pose

Kneeling position with forehead on floor, used for resting

Romans

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

Can hold Tree pose for 10+ seconds

Shows smooth transitions between poses

Demonstrates understanding of pose-story connections

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