Lesson 3 - Strength & Coordination
Mindful Movement & Body Awareness
•Year 1
•Yoga
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- Complete activity instructions & timing
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How can we build strength and move with control like peaceful warriors?
Learning Objectives
- To develop strength and coordination in yoga poses
- To link simple actions together showing control and coordination
- To remember and repeat actions with awareness of space
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved strength and coordination through sustained yoga poses
- Students will link movements fluidly from pose to pose
- Students will show spatial awareness and controlled breathing
Equipment & Resources Required
Arranged in circle formation with adequate spacing
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares
Audio system ready, volume tested for mindfulness activities
Alternative: Calm instrumental music or nature sounds
Background music for creating calm atmosphere
Alternative: Peaceful world music or meditation music
Cards distributed around circle, one per student initially
Alternative: Pose pictures printed on card or tablet images
Key Vocabulary
A respectful greeting meaning 'I bow to you'
Standing pose with knees bent as if sitting in an invisible chair
Standing pose with legs wide, front knee bent, arms extended
Balance pose standing on one foot with other foot on leg
Bending forward from hips with relaxed arms
Inverted V-shape with hands and feet on ground
On hands and knees, arching back like a stretching cat
Moving smoothly from one pose to another
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic body awareness and simple movements
- Following simple instructions
- Understanding of personal space
Current Skills
- Holding yoga poses with control
- Linking movements together
- Coordinated breathing with movement
- Spatial awareness during movement
Next Steps
- Creating longer sequences of poses
- Teaching poses to others
- Advanced balance challenges
- Independent mindfulness practice
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always demonstrate poses slowly first, emphasising proper alignment over perfect execution
- Use breath as the foundation - coordinate all movement with breathing patterns
- Create calm, respectful atmosphere through voice tone and positive affirmations
- Allow individual adaptation - poses should feel good, not painful
- Connect physical poses to emotional qualities and personal strength
- Emphasise progress over perfection - celebrate effort and improvement
- Use imagery and metaphors to help students understand proper form and breathing
Common Misconceptions
- Students think yoga poses must look exactly like teacher's - emphasise individual bodies are different
- Belief that falling out of poses means failure - teach that balance is about trying and adjusting
- Thinking breathing exercises are boring - connect breath to strength and calmness benefits
- Assumption that yoga is too easy or just stretching - highlight strength and coordination challenges
- Misconception that mindfulness means emptying the mind - explain it's about focusing attention peacefully
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter pose holds initially; movement breaks between static poses; use energizing poses before calming ones
dyspraxia
- Break poses into smaller steps; provide wall support for balance; allow extra practice time for coordination
autism spectrum
- Provide visual schedule of poses; allow fidget tools during mindfulness; offer quiet space option if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Provide detailed verbal descriptions of poses; use tactile cues for positioning; buddy system for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstration cards; hand signals for breathing cues; written instructions for sequences
physical disability
- Chair-adapted yoga poses; modify poses to seated or supported versions; focus on breathing and mindfulness elements
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Learning new vocabulary related to poses and feelings; using descriptive language to share mindfulness experiences
Maths
Counting breaths and holding poses for specific times; understanding sequences and patterns in yoga flows
Science
Understanding how breathing affects our body and heart rate; exploring balance and forces in different poses
PSHE
Developing self-awareness through mindfulness; building confidence and resilience through challenging poses; respect for others in group activities
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position in circle for demonstrations, move around perimeter during practice to support individuals
Observation Focus
Watch for proper alignment in poses, coordination of breath with movement, and emotional wellbeing throughout
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with balance poses, provide alternatives; monitor breathing exercises for any distress
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate poses slowly first, then at normal speed; use clear, calm voice; model proper breathing throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Breathe like sleeping lions - slow and powerful'
- •'Move through honey - slow and smooth'
- •'Tall spine like a mighty tree reaching for the sky'
- •'Feel your feet strong and rooted to the earth'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall or classroom space, minimum 2m x 2m per student for movement activities
Surface Check
Non-slip surface essential, yoga mats provide additional grip and comfort
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check yoga mats are clean and lie flat
- •Ensure audio equipment is at appropriate volume
- •Yoga cards should have rounded corners and be laminated
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls during balance poses
- •Overstretching in forward folds
- •Collisions during tagging game
- •Dizziness from breathing exercises or pose changes
Risk Mitigation
- •Teach progressive balance poses with wall support available
- •Emphasise gentle stretching within comfort zones
- •Clear boundaries and controlled speeds during active games
- •Monitor students during breath work and provide breaks if needed
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all students during individual pose practice
- •Circulate during flow sequences to provide individual guidance
- •Stay centrally located during mindfulness to monitor all students
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if student reports pain or dizziness; appropriate first aid and support as needed