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Lesson 6 - Life at Sea Yoga Poses

Imaginative Mindfulness in Yoga

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Year 1

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Yoga

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52 min

Big Question

How can we use our bodies and breath to explore life at sea whilst developing concentration and balance?

Learning Objectives

To hold yoga poses that represent sea life and ocean environments
To develop concentration and breathing techniques through mindful movement
To create and express movements that respond to sea-themed ideas and experiences

Key Outcomes

Students will perform at least 6 different sea-themed yoga poses with control
Students will demonstrate improved breathing techniques and concentration
Students will create original movements representing sea creatures and environments

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arranged in circles or scattered formation with space around each

Alternative: Carpet tiles, towels, or designated floor spaces

Relaxation Music

1 audio system

Soft, ocean-themed or calm instrumental music

Alternative: Smartphone with speaker, tablet

Books

For relaxation segment - 'The Snail and The Whale' or similar

Alternative: Digital book, printed pictures of sea life

Key Vocabulary

Balance

Keeping your body steady and controlled in different positions

Breathing

Taking air in through your nose and out through your mouth in a calm, controlled way

Concentration

Focusing your mind completely on what you're doing

Pose

A specific position you hold your body in during yoga

Stillness

Being completely calm and not moving

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic yoga poses: Mountain, Tree, Child's pose
Simple breathing techniques
Following movement instructions safely

Current Skills

Sea-themed yoga poses with improved balance
Coordinated breathing with movement
Creative interpretation of sea life through movement

Next Steps

More complex pose sequences and transitions
Leading partner yoga activities
Creating complete themed yoga stories

Milestone Indicators

Holds poses steadily for 20+ seconds

Breathes calmly and deliberately during activities

Shows creativity in movement interpretation

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise breathing coordination with all movements and poses
Focus on balance and control rather than perfect pose execution
Use sea adventure story throughout to maintain engagement and context
Encourage personal best rather than comparing to others
Create calm, supportive environment for concentration development
Connect yoga skills to improved focus and attention in classroom learning
Celebrate creative interpretation in octopus and wave movements

Common Misconceptions

Yoga poses must be perfect - emphasise personal progress and effort over perfection
Balance poses should be easy - explain that wobbling is normal and part of learning
Breathing exercises are boring - connect to story elements and practical benefits
Rest time is wasted time - highlight importance of relaxation for learning and wellbeing

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries, movement breaks, fidget tools available during rest time

dyspraxia

Break down poses into smaller steps, extra practice time, wall support for balance, simplified sequences

autism spectrum

Clear visual routine schedule, quiet space available, consistent pose sequence, advanced warning of changes

visual impairment

Use clear verbal descriptions of poses, tactile guidance for positioning, buddy system for support

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all poses, written cards with pose names, use gestures for instructions

physical disability

Seated versions of poses, use of chair support, adapted poses for different abilities

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Listening to sea-themed stories, developing vocabulary for sea life and emotions

Maths

Counting breaths and poses, understanding balance and stability concepts

Science

Learning about sea creatures and their habitats, understanding how breathing affects our bodies

Art

Visualising and creating body shapes to represent sea creatures and environments

Geography

Exploring ocean environments, features of beaches and underwater landscapes

PSHE

Developing concentration skills, managing emotions through breathing, self-awareness

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the room to observe all students, position near those needing support

Observation Focus

Watch for proper pose alignment, safe stretching, balance control, and engagement

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with balance, overstretching, or losing focus

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate each pose clearly, show modifications, emphasise safety and control

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe calmly and steadily!'
•'Hold your pose like a statue!'
•'Gentle stretching, never force!'
•'Use your focus to help your balance!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 2m x 2m per student for poses and movements, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, yoga mats or carpet area free from hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Yoga mats clean and in good condition
•Audio equipment at appropriate volume
•Story book suitable for age group

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during balance poses
•Overstretching in forward bends
•Collisions during movement activities

Risk Mitigation

•Adequate spacing between students for all activities
•Emphasise controlled movements not forcing stretches
•Clear boundaries for movement activities
•Wall support available for balance poses

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all students during balance poses
•Monitor stretching activities for safe range of motion
•Watch for signs of fatigue or discomfort

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, remove hazards