Lesson 8 - Breathing and Animal Flow
Mindful Movement & Body Awareness
•Year 1
•Yoga
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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
Arranged in circle formation for group activities
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares
Volume set low for background ambience
Alternative: Calm instrumental music or nature sounds
Animal picture cards for visual support if needed
Alternative: Teacher demonstration only
Key Vocabulary
A greeting that means 'the light in me honours the light in you'
Noticing how our breathing feels in our body
A sequence of yoga poses that flow smoothly together
Breathing air into our lungs
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
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