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Lesson 8 - Breathing and Animal Flow

Mindful Movement & Body Awareness

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Year 1

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Yoga

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57 min

Big Question

How can we use our breath to help us move mindfully and create different animal shapes?

Learning Objectives

I can copy a yoga flow, changing my breath to match the poses
I can create animal shapes using yoga poses
I can be aware of my breathing and how it feels in my body

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate controlled breathing techniques
Students will perform a sequence of animal-themed yoga poses
Students will show awareness of body sensations during breathing exercises

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arranged in circle formation for group activities

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares

Track

1 audio system

Volume set low for background ambience

Alternative: Calm instrumental music or nature sounds

Cards

1 set (optional)

Animal picture cards for visual support if needed

Alternative: Teacher demonstration only

Key Vocabulary

Namaste

A greeting that means 'the light in me honours the light in you'

Breath awareness

Noticing how our breathing feels in our body

Yoga flow

A sequence of yoga poses that flow smoothly together

Inhale

Breathing air into our lungs

Exhale

Breathing air out of our lungs

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic body awareness in space
Simple copying of movements
Following basic instructions

Current Skills

Controlled breathing techniques
Animal-themed yoga poses
Linking movement with breath

Next Steps

More complex yoga sequences
Partner yoga poses
Creating own mindful flows

Milestone Indicators

Visible chest and tummy movement during breathing

Holding poses for 5-10 seconds

Making appropriate animal sounds

Moving smoothly between poses

Key Teaching Points

Always demonstrate breathing visibly so children can copy
Emphasise slow, controlled movements rather than rushing
Connect each animal sound with the breath out
Create peaceful, calm atmosphere throughout lesson
Use positive, encouraging language for all attempts
Allow children to rest if they feel overwhelmed
Model respectful, mindful behaviour consistently

Common Misconceptions

Thinking yoga is just stretching - emphasise breath awareness and mindfulness
Believing poses must be perfect - focus on trying and breathing
Assuming fast movement is better - teach slow, controlled transitions
Thinking breathing exercises are boring - make them playful with animal themes
Believing yoga is too quiet - incorporate appropriate sounds and interaction

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Movement breaks built in, clear beginning and end to each activity, fidget tools available

dyspraxia

Simplified pose instructions, extra practice time, teacher physical guidance available

autism spectrum

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

visual impairment

Verbal descriptions of poses, tactile guidance for hand placement, audio cues for breathing

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, hand signals for breathing rhythm, partner support for instructions

physical disability

Seated adaptations of poses, supported breathing exercises, modified animal movements

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development, listening skills, descriptive language for feelings

Science

Body awareness, how breathing works, animal movements and sounds

PSHE

Emotional regulation, mindfulness, peaceful interaction with others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around circle during activities, position in centre for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct breathing technique, pose alignment, and peaceful behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in if children show signs of strain, breathing difficulty, or unsafe movement

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate breathing visibly, show poses with correct alignment, maintain calm, peaceful energy throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe slowly and gently'
•'Feel your breath in your body'
•'Move like a peaceful animal'
•'Take your time'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 8m x 8m clear floor space, suitable for lying down activities

Surface Check

Clean, non-slip floor surface appropriate for yoga mats

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check yoga mats are clean and not slippery on floor
•Ensure audio equipment is positioned safely away from movement area
•Verify adequate spacing between mats for arm movements

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Back strain from incorrect pose alignment
•Loss of balance in standing poses
•Collision during movement activities
•Breathing difficulties

Risk Mitigation

•Demonstrate correct alignment for all poses
•Provide wall support options for balance poses
•Clear boundaries established for movement
•Monitor breathing activities for any distress

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all children during poses
•Move around during breathing activities to check comfort
•Watch for signs of strain or discomfort

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or call for help if needed