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Lesson 2 - Copying and Repeating Yoga Poses

Mindful Movement & Body Awareness

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Year 1

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Yoga

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40 min

Big Question

How can we use our breath to help us hold yoga poses with control and balance?

Learning Objectives

To show control when copying and repeating yoga poses
To link simple actions together showing coordination
To develop mindful breathing techniques

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate control when holding yoga poses
Students will remember and repeat simple yoga sequences
Students will use breathing techniques to maintain focus

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arranged in rows with 1 metre spacing between mats

Alternative: Carpet squares, towels, or designated floor spaces

Cards

5 sets

Distributed to groups of 3 students each

Alternative: Printed pose pictures or teacher demonstration

PE Equipment

1 speaker system

Positioned centrally for even sound distribution

Alternative: Bluetooth speaker or classroom sound system

Calming Music

Breathe and Hawaii tracks

Volume low enough for instruction to be heard clearly

Alternative: Any slow, peaceful instrumental music

Sun Salutation Story

1 copy for teacher

Laminated for durability and easy reference

Alternative: Teacher-created story linking yoga poses

Key Vocabulary

Namaste

A greeting meaning 'the light in me honours the light in you'

Yoga Flow

A sequence of yoga poses linked together smoothly

Balance

Staying steady and controlled without falling

Posture

The position of your body, especially when sitting or standing

Mindfulness

Paying attention to what you're doing right now

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic body awareness and spatial understanding
Ability to follow simple movement instructions
Experience with sitting still and listening

Current Skills

Copying and holding yoga poses
Controlled breathing techniques
Creating simple movement sequences

Next Steps

More complex yoga sequences
Partner yoga poses
Advanced breathing techniques

Milestone Indicators

Can hold poses for specified breath counts

Shows smooth transitions between poses

Demonstrates improved balance and control

Key Teaching Points

Always emphasise breathing awareness throughout all activities
Promote listening to body signals and not forcing poses
Create inclusive environment where all attempts are celebrated
Use imagery and storytelling to engage young learners
Maintain calm, peaceful atmosphere with appropriate music
Focus on process over perfect pose achievement
Encourage peer support and cooperation in group work

Common Misconceptions

Yoga poses must be perfect - emphasise that everyone's body is different
Holding breath makes poses stronger - teach continuous breathing
Difficult poses are better - focus on appropriate challenges for each student
Yoga is only about flexibility - highlight strength, balance and mindfulness aspects
Faster movements are more impressive - emphasise slow, controlled practice

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, allow movement breaks, give specific focus tasks

dyspraxia

Break down poses into smaller steps, provide additional support for balance, allow more practice time, use simple language

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules, allow quiet spaces if needed, maintain predictable environment

visual impairment

Provide verbal descriptions of all poses, use tactile guidance for positioning, ensure clear audio cues

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, provide visual breathing cues, use hand signals for timing

physical disability

Adapt poses for seated or supported positions, use props as needed, focus on achievable movements

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following verbal instructions, learning new vocabulary, storytelling through sun salutation

Science

Understanding how breathing affects our body, heart rate changes during exercise, body systems working together

PSHE

Mindfulness and wellbeing, cooperation and teamwork, respect for different cultures and traditions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position with clear view of all students, able to demonstrate poses from multiple angles

Observation Focus

Watch for safe alignment, controlled breathing, and cooperative behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in if students attempting unsafe poses, showing signs of strain, or not working cooperatively

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: All poses from multiple angles, emphasise breath coordination, show modifications for different abilities

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe slowly and deeply'
•'Listen to your body'
•'Move like honey - slow and smooth'
•'Find your focus point'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 6m x 8m clear floor area, yoga mats with 1m spacing

Surface Check

Clean, non-slip floor surface suitable for yoga mats

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check yoga mats are clean and non-slip
•Ensure yoga cards have no sharp edges
•Verify audio equipment volume is appropriate

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Slipping on mats
•Overextension in poses
•Loss of balance
•Dizziness from breathing exercises

Risk Mitigation

•Proper mat placement with adequate spacing
•Emphasis on listening to body and not forcing poses
•Progressive introduction of balance challenges
•Monitoring during breathing exercises

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all students during poses
•Monitor for signs of strain or discomfort
•Watch for proper alignment in all poses

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate support, seek medical attention if needed