🧘

Lesson 3 - Space Journey Yoga Adventure

Imaginative Mindfulness in Yoga

•

Year 1

•

Yoga

•

45 min

Big Question

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

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arranged in rows with enough space for arm movements

Alternative: Carpet squares, towels, or designated floor space

Storybook

Accessible for teacher during relaxation time

Alternative: Tablet/screen for digital story, printed story

Background Music

1 playlist

Quiet instrumental music for relaxation section

Alternative: No music if preferred, nature sounds

Key Vocabulary

Balance

Staying steady and not falling over when in different positions

Breathing

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

Pose

A specific body position that we hold still

Focus

Concentrating and paying attention to what we're doing

Stretch

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

Can hold tree pose for 15 seconds on preferred foot

Creates original alien movements with confidence

Uses butterfly breathing independently when feeling anxious

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