Lesson 5 - Roman Life Through Yoga Poses
Stories & Breathing Practices
•Year 1
•Yoga
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How can we use our bodies to tell stories about life in ancient Rome?
Learning Objectives
- To perform a variety of yoga poses with control and balance
- To demonstrate understanding of Roman life through creative movement
- To develop self-confidence and self-motivation in physical activity
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to hold basic yoga poses with improved balance
- Students will connect physical movements to historical themes
- Students will show increased self-confidence in their practice
Equipment & Resources Required
Spread evenly across activity area with arm's length between each
Alternative: Carpet squares, towels, or designated floor spaces
Volume low enough for instruction to be heard clearly
Alternative: Calm nature sounds or soft classical music
Ready for conclusion reading
Alternative: Any calm knight or Roman soldier story
Key Vocabulary
Keeping your body steady and controlled
Taking air in through your nose and out through your mouth
A specific yoga position held with control
A strong Roman soldier pose
A series of movements done in order
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic body awareness and control
- Simple breathing techniques
- Following movement instructions
Current Skills
- Static balance poses
- Flowing movement sequences
- Self-assessment and reflection
Next Steps
- More complex yoga sequences
- Partner yoga poses
- Leading warm-up activities
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always emphasise breathing awareness throughout all poses
- Focus on effort and attempt rather than perfect pose achievement
- Connect all movements to Roman life themes for engagement
- Provide modifications to ensure all students can participate
- Build self-confidence through positive reinforcement and encouragement
- Maintain calm, supportive atmosphere throughout lesson
- Use storytelling to maintain interest during relaxation time
Common Misconceptions
- Yoga poses must be held perfectly - correct by emphasising personal progress
- Breathing should be forced or changed - teach natural breath awareness
- Balance poses should never wobble - explain that wobbling shows learning
- Flexibility is required for yoga - demonstrate modifications for all abilities
- Yoga is only for relaxation - show how it builds strength and confidence
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter pose holds, more movement variety, clear transitions between activities
dyspraxia
- Simplified pose variations, extra practice time, peer support for sequencing
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of poses, quiet retreat space if needed
visual impairment
- Verbal descriptions of all poses, tactile guidance for positioning, buddy system for support
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, written pose cards, hand signals for instructions
physical disability
- Chair-based modifications, supported poses, adapted breathing exercises
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Listening to stories, following instructions, learning new vocabulary related to Roman life
Science
Understanding body systems, breathing, balance, and how muscles work during poses
History
Learning about Roman daily life, architecture, and cultural practices through movement
PSHE
Building self-confidence, self-motivation, and resilience through physical challenges
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around room to observe all students, position near students needing support during balance poses
Observation Focus
Watch for pose alignment, breathing patterns, confidence levels, and creative engagement
Intervention Points
Step in to assist with balance, provide pose modifications, encourage effort over perfection
Demonstration Notes
Show all poses clearly, provide modifications, demonstrate with students rather than just in front of them
Verbal Cues
- •'Breathe deeply and slowly'
- •'It's okay to wobble - that's how we learn balance!'
- •'Listen to your body and rest if you need to'
- •'Every attempt makes you stronger'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 15m, clear of obstacles with soft flooring or mats
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, adequate cushioning for floor work
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Mats clean and in good condition
- •No sharp edges or obstacles near activity area
- •Story book and music equipment safely positioned
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls during balance poses
- •Wrist discomfort in downward dog
- •Neck strain in bridge or inverted poses
- •Dizziness from position changes
Risk Mitigation
- •Wall support available for balance poses
- •Modifications provided for all challenging poses
- •Emphasis on listening to body and stopping if uncomfortable
- •Slow transitions between positions
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all students during poses
- •Monitor closely during balance challenges
- •Watch for signs of strain or discomfort
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, contact school procedures