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Lesson 5 - Roman Life Through Yoga Poses

Mindful Creative Movement

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Year 2

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Yoga

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55 min

Big Question

How can we use our bodies to tell stories about Roman life while building confidence and self-motivation?

Learning Objectives

To depict Roman life through creative yoga poses and movements
To develop self-motivation and display self-confidence during physical activities
To understand and demonstrate proper breathing techniques during yoga practice

Key Outcomes

Students will perform yoga poses that represent aspects of Roman life
Students will demonstrate increased self-confidence through independent practice
Students will show understanding of Roman culture through movement interpretation

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arranged in rows with adequate spacing between students

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares for comfort

Storybook

Ready for relaxation session

Alternative: Roman-themed story cards or pictures

Background Music

Audio system

Gentle, calming music for relaxation portions

Alternative: None needed - can be done in silence

Key Vocabulary

Balance

Staying steady and controlled while holding a position

Breathing

Taking deep, controlled breaths to help with relaxation and focus

Pose

A specific position that you hold with your body

Sequence

A series of poses performed one after another

Roman

Relating to ancient Rome and its people

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of following instructions
Experience with simple breathing exercises
Familiarity with basic body positions

Current Skills

Performing yoga poses with control and balance
Using breathing techniques for relaxation
Connecting movement to storytelling themes

Next Steps

Creating sequences of connected yoga poses
Teaching poses to others with confidence
Developing more complex balance challenges

Milestone Indicators

Holds poses for appropriate duration

Demonstrates smooth transitions between poses

Shows confidence in attempting new movements

Key Teaching Points

Always move within your comfort zone - yoga should never hurt
Breathing is the most important part of yoga practice
Every body is different - focus on your own progress, not others
Balance poses are challenging - use support when needed
Connect each pose to Roman life to enhance learning
Self-confidence grows through practice and encouragement
Relaxation time is just as important as active poses

Common Misconceptions

Thinking yoga poses must look exactly like the teacher's demonstration
Believing that flexibility is required before starting yoga
Assuming that falling out of balance poses means failure
Thinking that boys can't or shouldn't do yoga
Believing that you must be completely silent during yoga practice

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter holding times for poses, more frequent movement breaks, fidget tools during relaxation

dyspraxia

Extra time for pose transitions, simplified sequences, additional verbal cues for body positioning

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of poses, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Clear verbal descriptions of poses, use of texture mats for positioning, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, picture cards showing poses, vibration cues for timing

physical disability

Chair-based adaptations of poses, use of props for support, modified range of movement

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Listening skills during story time, vocabulary development with yoga and Roman terms

Science

Understanding how breathing affects the body, exploring balance and coordination

History

Learning about Roman life, culture, and daily activities through movement representation

PSHE

Building self-confidence, self-motivation, and positive self-image through physical achievement

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around room to observe all students, position centrally for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for proper alignment, breathing patterns, confidence levels

Intervention Points

Step in if students attempt poses beyond ability or show signs of strain

Demonstration Notes

Show all poses clearly, offer modifications, emphasise that everyone's pose will look different

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe deeply and hold the pose'
•'Only go as far as feels comfortable'
•'You're being so brave trying new poses!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 2m x 1m per student for mat work, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface suitable for floor work

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Yoga mats checked for tears or slippery surfaces
•Adequate spacing between mats to prevent collisions
•Storybook appropriate for age group

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Slips during balance poses
•Overextending in stretches
•Collision during movement activities

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise moving slowly and within comfort zone
•Provide wall support for balance poses when needed
•Clear boundaries established for movement activities
•Continuous monitoring of technique and comfort levels

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all students during floor work
•Monitor closely during balance poses
•Watch for signs of strain or discomfort

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, basic first aid available, clear evacuation route maintained