Lesson 6 - Deep Sea Adventure Yoga
Imaginative Yoga
•Year 2
•Yoga
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use our bodies and imagination to explore the wonders of the deep sea?
Learning Objectives
- To perform yoga poses that represent sea life and ocean environments
- To develop concentration and mindfulness through breathing exercises
- To create movement sequences that tell a story about underwater adventures
Key Outcomes
- Students will hold yoga poses depicting sea life with control and balance
- Students will demonstrate improved concentration and breathing awareness
- Students will combine movements to express feelings and ideas about ocean life
Equipment & Resources Required
Arranged in grid formation with 1.5m spacing between mats
Alternative: Carpet squares, towels, or designated floor spaces
Volume low enough to hear instructions clearly
Alternative: Nature sounds, ocean sounds, or complete silence
For relaxation section - 'The Snail and The Whale' recommended
Alternative: Digital images of sea creatures, story cards
Key Vocabulary
Keeping your body steady and controlled in one position
A specific body position held still for a period of time
Taking air in through the nose and out through the mouth in a controlled way
Focusing your mind completely on one thing
The ability to bend and stretch your body safely
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
Current Skills
- Sea-themed yoga poses with storytelling
- Coordinated breathing with movement
- Balance and concentration development
Next Steps
- Partner yoga poses
- Creating own yoga sequences
- Teaching poses to others
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Safety first - never force any pose or stretch
- Breathing is more important than perfect pose form
- Every body is different - celebrate individual progress
- Yoga is not competitive - focus on personal journey
- Create calm, supportive atmosphere throughout
- Use storytelling to maintain engagement and focus
- Encourage mindfulness and present-moment awareness
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking poses must look 'perfect' - emphasise personal best effort
- Believing flexibility is required - show modifications for all abilities
- Assuming yoga is too easy - highlight strength and concentration elements
- Thinking breathing doesn't matter - demonstrate its calming effects
- Believing mistakes are failures - frame as learning opportunities
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter pose holds initially, more frequent movement breaks, fidget tools during relaxation if needed
dyspraxia
- Simplified pose sequences, additional demonstration time, wall support for balance poses
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of poses, quiet corner available, sensory breaks as needed
visual impairment
- Clear verbal descriptions of all poses, physical guidance when requested, tactile cues for positioning
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations with exaggerated movements, written pose cards, buddy system for instructions
physical disability
- Chair-supported versions of poses, upper body focus options, modified breathing exercises
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Story vocabulary development, listening skills, following complex instructions, creative expression through movement
Science
Understanding breathing and heart rate, body systems, balance and coordination, effects of exercise on wellbeing
Art
Creative expression through body movement, imagining colours and textures of sea life, visual storytelling
Geography
Ocean and marine environment awareness, mapping underwater journeys, understanding different landscapes
PSHE
Emotional regulation through breathing, mindfulness and concentration, self-awareness, patience and perseverance
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Front and centre for demonstrations, move around room during practice for individual support
Observation Focus
Watch for safe alignment, individual challenge levels, engagement and enjoyment
Intervention Points
Step in for unsafe pose attempts, provide modifications for struggling students, encourage effort over perfection
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate poses slowly and clearly, offer modifications, emphasise process over perfect form
Verbal Cues
- •'Breathe deeply and slowly'
- •'Find your own edge - never force'
- •'Focus on how you feel, not how you look'
- •'Every body is different and wonderful'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 4m x 4m clear space, 1.5m between mats in all directions
Surface Check
Non-slip mats on even surface, adequate cushioning for floor poses
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Mats checked for tears or sliding
- •Adequate spacing to prevent collisions
- •Clear pathways for movement activities
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls during balance poses
- •Overstretching in forward bends
- •Collisions during movement sections
Risk Mitigation
- •Wall support available for balance poses
- •Emphasis on personal limits in stretching
- •Clear movement boundaries established
- •Constant supervision during transitions
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all students during balance poses
- •Monitor forward bending technique closely
- •Watch for fatigue during longer holds
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, first aid as appropriate, contact school office if needed