Lesson 1 - Intro to Yoga Poses
Mindful Movement & Body Awareness
•Year 1
•Yoga
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How can yoga help us feel calm, strong and happy in our bodies?
Learning Objectives
- To develop controlled movement and flexibility through basic yoga poses
- To develop an understanding of what yoga is and its benefits for mind and body
- To learn basic breathing techniques and mindfulness practices
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to perform basic yoga poses with control and coordination
- Students will understand that yoga is exercise for the mind, body and breath
- Students will be able to follow simple breathing exercises and show awareness of their body
Equipment & Resources Required
Arrange in circle formation for introduction, then spread out for practice
Alternative: Carpet squares, towels, or designated floor spaces
Place at front of room to represent the sun
Alternative: Yellow bean bags, sun pictures, or bright yellow objects
Track 34 'Breathe' ready to play during mindful activities
Alternative: Calm background music, nature sounds, or teacher-led breathing
Familiar with story sequence before lesson
Alternative: Create own simple story linking poses together
Key Vocabulary
Exercise for the mind, body and breath that makes us feel good
A greeting used in yoga meaning 'hello', 'goodbye' and 'thank you'
Standing tall and strong like a mountain with feet together
A sequence of yoga poses to say hello to the sun
Paying attention to how our body and mind feel in the present moment
Focusing on different parts of the body to help us relax
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
- Understanding of listening and responding to teacher cues
Current Skills
- Introduction to yoga philosophy and benefits
- Basic yoga poses and transitions
- Simple breathing techniques and mindfulness
- Body awareness and relaxation skills
Next Steps
- More complex yoga sequences and flows
- Advanced breathing techniques
- Partner and group yoga activities
- Creating own yoga sequences
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Yoga is exercise for mind, body and breath that helps us feel good
- Always move slowly and with control - never force or rush poses
- Breathing is a key part of yoga - teach slow, deep breathing techniques
- Use imagery and storytelling to engage young students in poses
- Create a calm, peaceful atmosphere throughout the session
- Normalise mind wandering during mindfulness - it's part of learning
- End with traditional namaste to build respect for yoga culture
Common Misconceptions
- Yoga is just stretching - actually includes mindfulness, breathing, and philosophy
- You need to be flexible to do yoga - yoga helps develop flexibility gradually
- Poses must be perfect - focus on effort and personal progress not perfection
- Yoga is boring - use stories, imagery and games to make it engaging
- Mind wandering means you're bad at yoga - it's completely normal and part of learning
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter holds initially, frequent position changes, use of engaging imagery and stories
dyspraxia
- Break poses into smaller steps, extra practice time, use of wall or props for support
autism spectrum
- Clear structure and routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet corner available for breaks
visual impairment
- Clear verbal descriptions of poses, tactile guidance for hand positions, consistent mat placement
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstration of all poses, written pose cards, hand signals for breathing
physical disability
- Modified poses using chairs or props, adapted positions, focus on accessible movements
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Listening skills, following instructions, new vocabulary, storytelling through movement
Maths
Counting breaths and holds, sequences and patterns, spatial awareness
Science
Learning about body systems, breathing and circulation, effects of exercise on body
PSHE
Emotional wellbeing, self-awareness, managing feelings, mindfulness techniques
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around space to observe all students, position at front for demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for pose alignment, breathing rhythm, engagement in mindfulness
Intervention Points
Step in if students forcing poses, showing distress, or disrupting others' focus
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate poses with perfect alignment, speak calmly and slowly, use imagery to engage imagination
Verbal Cues
- •'Breathe slowly and deeply'
- •'Only stretch as far as feels comfortable'
- •'Focus on your own practice'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Indoor space minimum 8m x 8m, non-slip surface, adequate ventilation
Surface Check
Clean, non-slip surface free from obstacles, mats properly positioned
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Yoga mats checked for wear and properly spaced
- •Cones positioned safely away from movement area
- •Audio equipment at appropriate volume for instruction
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Slips on smooth floors without mats
- •Over-stretching or forcing poses beyond comfort range
- •Collisions during movement activities
- •Dizziness from position changes
Risk Mitigation
- •Use non-slip mats for all floor activities
- •Emphasise 'comfortable stretch' never painful
- •Ensure adequate spacing between students
- •Slow transitions between lying/standing positions
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all students during poses
- •Watch for signs of over-exertion or discomfort
- •Monitor breathing activities for any distress
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess student, provide first aid if needed, contact office for serious concerns