Lesson 5 - Roman Warriors and Inventions
Imaginative Yoga
•Year 2
•Yoga
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use our bodies to tell the story of Roman warriors and their amazing inventions?
Learning Objectives
- To hold yoga poses that represent Roman soldiers and Roman life
- To practice appropriate safety measures with growing independence
- To understand how Romans lived and their important inventions through movement
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate 6+ Roman-themed yoga poses with control and balance
- Students will show improved concentration and breathing techniques
- Students will connect historical knowledge to physical movement and storytelling
Equipment & Resources Required
Arranged in circle or grid pattern with arm's length spacing
Alternative: Towels or marked floor spaces
Keep accessible for relaxation segment
Alternative: Pre-recorded audio or improvised story
Volume low enough for clear instruction hearing
Alternative: Nature sounds or silence
Key Vocabulary
A strong standing pose with wide legs and arms stretched out
Lying on back with bottom lifted up, creating a bridge shape
A resting pose where you kneel and fold forward
Standing tall and strong with feet apart and arms at sides
The ancient civilisation that built roads, bridges and used horses
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic yoga breathing techniques
- Simple balance poses like Tree and Mountain
- Following movement instructions safely
Current Skills
- Holding warrior poses with stability
- Transitioning between poses smoothly
- Creating poses to represent objects and stories
Next Steps
- Complex flowing sequences
- Partner and group yoga poses
- Teaching poses to others
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Safety first - never force poses or ignore discomfort
- Breathing is as important as the physical pose
- Everyone's body is different - celebrate individual achievements
- Balance poses are challenging - use wall support when needed
- Connect Roman history to personal qualities like bravery and persistence
- Maintain calm, peaceful atmosphere throughout
- Encourage creativity in pose variations and interpretations
Common Misconceptions
- Yoga poses must look 'perfect' - focus on individual effort and safety
- Everyone should be able to balance the same way - bodies are different
- Breathing isn't important - breath awareness is central to yoga practice
- Romans were only about war - they were inventors and builders too
- Relaxation time isn't important - it's essential for complete practice
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Regular movement breaks, clear boundaries, simplified instruction chunks
dyspraxia
- Additional practice time, simplified pose versions, focus on effort over perfection
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule, quiet corner available for breaks
visual impairment
- Clear verbal descriptions of poses, tactile guidance for positioning, partner support system
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations, written pose cards, hand signals for transitions
physical disability
- Chair-based modifications, supported poses, adapted balance challenges
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Listening skills during story time, vocabulary development
Science
Understanding body systems, breathing, balance, and movement
Geography
Understanding Roman roads, bridges, and empire expansion
History
Learning about Roman Empire, inventions, soldiers, and daily life
PSHE
Self-belief, bravery, persistence, and personal reflection
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the room to observe alignment and provide individual support
Observation Focus
Watch for safe pose technique, breathing quality, and engagement
Intervention Points
Step in if poses are unsafe, students are struggling, or behaviour disrupts calm atmosphere
Demonstration Notes
Show all poses clearly with emphasis on safety and modifications
Verbal Cues
- •'Breathe naturally in each pose'
- •'Only go as far as feels comfortable'
- •'Strong legs, soft breathing'
- •'Listen to your body'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 15m indoor space with soft flooring or mats
Surface Check
Clean, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check yoga mats are clean and not slippery
- •Ensure adequate spacing between students
- •Story book appropriate for age group
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls during balance poses
- •Neck strain in Bridge pose
- •Overexertion in challenging poses
Risk Mitigation
- •Wall support available for balance poses
- •Clear instruction about not forcing poses
- •Emphasis on individual pace and comfort
- •Teacher demonstration of safe technique
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all students during poses
- •Move around room to check individual alignment
- •Monitor for signs of fatigue or overexertion
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if needed