🧘

Lesson 1 - Intro to Yoga Poses

Mindful Movement & Body Awareness

•

Year 1

•

Yoga

•

59 min

Big Question

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

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arrange in circle formation for introduction, then spread out for practice

Alternative: Carpet squares, towels, or designated floor spaces

Cones

Place at front of room to represent the sun

Alternative: Yellow bean bags, sun pictures, or bright yellow objects

Track

1 audio system

Track 34 'Breathe' ready to play during mindful activities

Alternative: Calm background music, nature sounds, or teacher-led breathing

Sun Salutation Story

1 per teacher

Familiar with story sequence before lesson

Alternative: Create own simple story linking poses together

Key Vocabulary

Yoga

Exercise for the mind, body and breath that makes us feel good

Namaste

A greeting used in yoga meaning 'hello', 'goodbye' and 'thank you'

Mountain Pose

Standing tall and strong like a mountain with feet together

Sun Salutation

A sequence of yoga poses to say hello to the sun

Mindfulness

Paying attention to how our body and mind feel in the present moment

Body Scan

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

Can hold basic yoga poses for 3-4 counts

Shows improved flexibility and balance

Demonstrates calm, focused behaviour during practice

Uses yoga vocabulary appropriately

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