Lesson 3 - Space Journey Yoga Adventure
Imaginative Mindfulness in Yoga
•Year 1
•Yoga
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use our imagination to explore space while strengthening our bodies and calming our minds?
Learning Objectives
- To develop balance and coordination through yoga poses
- To use imagination creatively in movement and expression
- To learn breathing techniques for relaxation and focus
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved balance in tree and mountain poses
- Students will create imaginative movements representing space travel
- Students will use breathing techniques to achieve calm focus
Equipment & Resources Required
Arranged in rows with enough space for arm movements
Alternative: Carpet squares, towels, or designated floor space
Accessible for teacher during relaxation time
Alternative: Tablet/screen for digital story, printed story
Quiet instrumental music for relaxation section
Alternative: No music if preferred, nature sounds
Key Vocabulary
Staying steady and not falling over when in different positions
Taking air in through your nose and out through your mouth in a controlled way
A specific body position that we hold still
Concentrating and paying attention to what we're doing
Making our muscles longer and our body feel loose
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic body awareness and spatial understanding
- Simple balance activities from previous units
- Following instructions in movement activities
Current Skills
- Static balance poses with increasing duration
- Creative movement using imagination
- Controlled breathing for relaxation
Next Steps
- More complex yoga sequences
- Partner yoga poses
- Independent creation of movement stories
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Breathing is the foundation of all yoga practice - model slow, controlled breathing
- Balance takes practice - wobbling is normal and should be celebrated as learning
- Use imagination to engage students but maintain safety in all creative movements
- Modify poses for individual needs - every body is different and that's perfect
- Connect physical practice to emotional awareness and real-life applications
- Create inclusive environment where all attempts are valued and supported
- Use story and theme to maintain engagement while teaching proper technique
Common Misconceptions
- Yoga poses must be held perfectly - emphasise that wobbling and modifications are normal
- Deeper stretches are better - teach appropriate range for young children
- Everyone should look the same in poses - celebrate individual differences
- Breathing exercises are boring - connect to space theme and make engaging
- Boys don't do yoga - emphasise strength and courage aspects of practice
- You need to be flexible to do yoga - explain that yoga helps you become more flexible over time
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter pose holds, movement breaks between static poses, clear boundaries and expectations, fidget alternatives
dyspraxia
- Simpler pose variations, longer demonstration time, physical guidance for positioning, celebrated effort over perfection
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of poses, quiet alternatives during group activities, sensory breaks available
visual impairment
- Use verbal cues for all poses, provide physical guidance for positioning, describe space story elements clearly
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations, hand signals for breathing, written/picture cards for pose names
physical disability
- Seated yoga variations, upper body poses only, adapted breathing exercises, wheelchair-accessible positions
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Creative storytelling, descriptive language for alien creatures, listening skills during story time
Maths
Counting breaths and pose duration, spatial awareness and positioning, symmetry in balance poses
Science
Space facts, gravity effects on movement, how breathing affects our body systems
PSHE
Managing emotions through breathing, showing courage, cooperation in partner activities, mindfulness and self-awareness
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Front-centre for demonstrations, move around during practice for individual support
Observation Focus
Balance duration, breathing quality, creative expression, emotional engagement
Intervention Points
When students struggle with balance, show frustration, or need encouragement with poses
Demonstration Notes
Always show modifications for different abilities, emphasise the fun and story elements, model calm breathing throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Find your focus spot on the wall'
- •'Breathe like gentle space wind'
- •'Wobbling is normal - even astronauts wobble!'
- •'Use your imagination - there's no wrong way!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 15m clear area with non-slip surface
Surface Check
Clean, dry surface free from obstacles, mats properly placed
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Yoga mats flat and secure to prevent slipping
- •Adequate spacing between mats for arm movements
- •Books and music equipment safely positioned
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Loss of balance during single-leg poses
- •Collisions during movement activities
- •Over-stretching in flexibility poses
- •Dizziness from breathing exercises
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and spacing established
- •Wall support available for balance challenges
- •Progressive difficulty in pose variations
- •Emphasis on gentle, controlled movements
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all balance attempts
- •Monitor breathing exercises for comfort
- •Watch for signs of frustration or fatigue
- •Ensure inclusive participation
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity, assess comfort level, provide support or alternative position, seek additional help if needed