Lesson 6 - Life at Sea Yoga Poses
Imaginative Mindfulness in Yoga
•Year 1
•Yoga
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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
Arranged in circles or scattered formation with space around each
Alternative: Carpet tiles, towels, or designated floor spaces
Soft, ocean-themed or calm instrumental music
Alternative: Smartphone with speaker, tablet
For relaxation segment - 'The Snail and The Whale' or similar
Alternative: Digital book, printed pictures of sea life
Key Vocabulary
Keeping your body steady and controlled in different positions
Taking air in through your nose and out through your mouth in a calm, controlled way
Focusing your mind completely on what you're doing
A specific position you hold your body in during yoga
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
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