Lesson 3 - Space Journey Yoga and Balance
Imaginative Yoga
•Year 2
•Yoga
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can yoga poses help us imagine incredible adventures while building our balance and flexibility?
Learning Objectives
- To develop balance and flexibility through space-themed yoga poses
- To use imagination to create movements that express feelings and ideas about space
- To practice breathing techniques for calm and focus
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved balance through tree and moon poses
- Students will create imaginative movements inspired by space themes
- Students will use breathing techniques to maintain calm focus
Equipment & Resources Required
Arranged in rows with space around each mat
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares for comfort
Ready for relaxation time
Alternative: Tablet with space images or printed pictures
Volume low enough for clear instructions
Alternative: Natural silence works well too
Key Vocabulary
Staying steady and not falling over while in different positions
The ability to stretch and bend our bodies in different ways
Special ways of breathing in and out to help us feel calm and focused
A yoga position that we hold with our body
Using our minds to picture things that aren't really there
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic standing balance on one foot
- Simple stretching movements
- Following movement instructions
Current Skills
- Space-themed yoga poses with storytelling
- Extended balance holds
- Coordinated breathing and movement
Next Steps
- Complex pose sequences
- Partner balance challenges
- Advanced breathing techniques
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Balance improves with practice and breathing awareness
- Yoga poses can help manage emotions and build confidence
- Imagination enhances physical movement and engagement
- Personal comfort zone is different for everyone
- Breathing techniques support both physical and emotional wellbeing
- Space themes make abstract poses concrete and engaging
- Courage in yoga translates to courage in daily life
Common Misconceptions
- All students should achieve the same level in poses - correct by emphasising individual progress
- Yoga is only about flexibility - explain balance, strength and breathing benefits
- Perfect pose alignment is required - focus on effort and improvement over perfection
- Quiet activities are boring - highlight the skill and focus required
- Breathing exercises are too simple - demonstrate their power for emotional regulation
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Clear pose boundaries, frequent position changes, fidget alternatives during quiet time
dyspraxia
- Simplified pose variations, extra practice time, wall support for balance poses
autism spectrum
- Predictable routine structure, visual schedule of poses, quiet alternatives to group activities
visual impairment
- Clear verbal descriptions of all poses, partner support for balance, tactile guidance for positioning
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations emphasised, written instruction cards, clear gesture signals
physical disability
- Seated yoga alternatives, chair-supported poses, modified breathing exercises
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Imaginative storytelling, space vocabulary, descriptive language for movements
Maths
Counting breathing cycles, timing balance holds, spatial awareness
Science
Space facts, breathing and body systems, balance and forces
Geography
Space exploration, planet features, direction and movement
PSHE
Emotional regulation, courage, cooperation and mutual support
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around class during poses to provide individual support, central position for demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for balance stability, breathing patterns, and emotional engagement with activities
Intervention Points
Step in if students pushing beyond comfort zone, provide alternatives for struggling students
Demonstration Notes
Show all poses clearly first, offer modifications, maintain calm energy throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Only go as far as feels good for your body'
- •'Breathe slowly and steadily'
- •'Use your imagination to help your poses'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 4m x 6m clear space with non-slip mats
Surface Check
Clean, dry floor surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check yoga mats are flat and non-slip
- •Ensure adequate space between mats for arm movements
- •Verify room temperature suitable for floor work
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls during balance poses
- •Overstretching in lateral bends
- •Collisions during movement activities
- •Discomfort in kneeling positions
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise staying within comfort zone for all stretches
- •Clear boundaries for movement activities
- •Alternative positions for students with knee problems
- •Progressive building of balance challenges
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all students during balance poses
- •Monitor energy levels during jumping activities
- •Check comfort during floor-based relaxation
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid and support