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Lesson 3 - Strength & Coordination

Mindful Movement & Body Awareness

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Year 1

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Yoga

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47 min

Big Question

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

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arranged in circle formation with adequate spacing

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares

Track

Audio system ready, volume tested for mindfulness activities

Alternative: Calm instrumental music or nature sounds

PE Equipment

Background music for creating calm atmosphere

Alternative: Peaceful world music or meditation music

Yoga Cards

1 set per group of 6 students

Cards distributed around circle, one per student initially

Alternative: Pose pictures printed on card or tablet images

Key Vocabulary

Namaste

A respectful greeting meaning 'I bow to you'

Chair Pose

Standing pose with knees bent as if sitting in an invisible chair

Warrior 2

Standing pose with legs wide, front knee bent, arms extended

Tree Pose

Balance pose standing on one foot with other foot on leg

Forward Fold

Bending forward from hips with relaxed arms

Downward Dog

Inverted V-shape with hands and feet on ground

Cat Pose

On hands and knees, arching back like a stretching cat

Flow

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

Can hold tree pose for 10 seconds

Moves between poses without falling

Remembers sequence of 4-5 poses

Demonstrates good posture throughout

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