Lesson 5 - Roman Life Through Yoga Poses
Mindful Creative Movement
•Year 2
•Yoga
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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
Arranged in rows with adequate spacing between students
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares for comfort
Ready for relaxation session
Alternative: Roman-themed story cards or pictures
Gentle, calming music for relaxation portions
Alternative: None needed - can be done in silence
Key Vocabulary
Staying steady and controlled while holding a position
Taking deep, controlled breaths to help with relaxation and focus
A specific position that you hold with your body
A series of poses performed one after another
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
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