Lesson 3 - Space Yoga Adventure
Stories & Breathing Practices
•Year 1
•Yoga
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How can we use our bodies to explore the wonders of space through yoga?
Learning Objectives
- To perform basic yoga poses with control and balance
- To use imagination to connect movement with space themes
- To demonstrate focus and concentration during breathing exercises
Key Outcomes
- Students will perform at least 5 space-themed yoga poses with improving balance
- Students will use breathing techniques to support their movements
- Students will work cooperatively with partners and show sporting values
Equipment & Resources Required
Arrange in scattered formation with 2-metre spacing
Alternative: Towels or marked floor spaces if mats unavailable
Keep accessible for conclusion relaxation
Alternative: Print pictures of space objects or use tablet/screen
Volume low enough to hear instructions clearly
Alternative: Humming or natural silence acceptable
Key Vocabulary
Keeping your body steady and stable in one position
Taking air in through your nose and out through your mouth in a controlled way
A specific position you hold your body in during yoga
Concentrating your mind and attention on what you're doing
How well your body can bend and stretch
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic body awareness and movement
- Simple stretching movements
- Following basic instructions
Current Skills
- Static balance in yoga poses
- Controlled breathing techniques
- Imaginative movement based on themes
Next Steps
- Linking poses together in sequences
- More complex balancing poses
- Independent pose creation and demonstration
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Breathing is central to all yoga practice - model and encourage throughout
- Balance comes from engaging core muscles and finding focal points
- Space themes make poses memorable and engaging for young learners
- Allow modifications - yoga is about personal progress not perfection
- Create calm, peaceful atmosphere especially during relaxation
- Connect yoga practice to daily life through courage reflection
- Safety first - poses should feel good, never painful
Common Misconceptions
- Yoga poses must look perfect - emphasise personal progress over perfection
- Flexibility is required - show that yoga develops flexibility gradually
- Breathing doesn't matter - demonstrate how breathing supports balance and calm
- Boys can't do yoga - use space themes to engage all students equally
- Relaxation is boring - show how peaceful rest helps learning and focus
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent position changes, engaging space themes, clear boundaries and expectations
dyspraxia
- Break poses into smaller steps, allow extra practice time, provide physical support
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of poses, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
- Use clear verbal descriptions of poses, tactile guidance, partner support for positioning
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations essential, use hand signals, written pose cards available
physical disability
- Seated versions of all poses, supported balance options, focus on upper body movements
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Space vocabulary, story listening, descriptive language for poses
Maths
Counting breaths, timing poses, spatial awareness concepts
Science
Space themes, breathing and body systems, balance and forces
Art
Creative expression through movement, imagining alien poses
PSHE
Personal courage, cooperation, mindfulness and wellbeing
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position for demonstrations, move around during practice to assist individuals
Observation Focus
Balance control, breathing technique, cooperative behaviour, creative expression
Intervention Points
Step in for unsafe poses, provide balance support, encourage rest if fatigued
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Exaggerate breathing, show modifications for different abilities, model peaceful atmosphere during relaxation
Verbal Cues
- •'Breathe like you're floating in space!'
- •'Strong space mountain!'
- •'Gentle movements like drifting clouds!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 6m x 8m clear space, 2-metre spacing between students
Surface Check
Non-slip surface essential, mats or carpet for floor poses
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check mats are non-slip and in good condition
- •Ensure no obstacles in movement areas
- •Story book corners not sharp if used as prop
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Slips during balance poses
- •Collisions during movement activities
- •Overexertion in challenging poses
Risk Mitigation
- •Adequate spacing maintained throughout
- •Progressive pose difficulty from simple to complex
- •Clear instructions for safe landings
- •Allow modifications for all students
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe balance attempts in tree pose
- •Monitor for safe landings in shooting star
- •Watch for fatigue during longer holds
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity, assess injury, appropriate first aid, inform school procedures