Lesson 2 - Copying and Repeating Yoga Poses
Mindful Movement & Body Awareness
•Year 1
•Yoga
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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
Arranged in rows with 1 metre spacing between mats
Alternative: Carpet squares, towels, or designated floor spaces
Distributed to groups of 3 students each
Alternative: Printed pose pictures or teacher demonstration
Positioned centrally for even sound distribution
Alternative: Bluetooth speaker or classroom sound system
Volume low enough for instruction to be heard clearly
Alternative: Any slow, peaceful instrumental music
Laminated for durability and easy reference
Alternative: Teacher-created story linking yoga poses
Key Vocabulary
A greeting meaning 'the light in me honours the light in you'
A sequence of yoga poses linked together smoothly
Staying steady and controlled without falling
The position of your body, especially when sitting or standing
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
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