Lesson 2 - Breathing and Stretching
Stories & Breathing Practices
•Year 1
•Yoga
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How does breathing help us feel calm and strong during movement?
Learning Objectives
- To explore bending, stretching and reaching movements through yoga poses
- To understand the importance of breathing whilst stretching and warming up
- To develop self-confidence and motivation in physical activity
Key Outcomes
- Students will perform a variety of yoga poses with controlled breathing
- Students will demonstrate understanding of how breathing supports movement
- Students will show increased self-confidence in trying new poses
Equipment & Resources Required
Arrange in grid formation with adequate spacing
Alternative: Carpet tiles, small blankets, or marked floor spaces
Volume low enough to hear instructions
Alternative: Calm instrumental music or nature sounds
Have ready for conclusion relaxation
Alternative: Any calming story or meditation guide
Key Vocabulary
To take air into your lungs and let it out slowly
A yoga position where you hold your body in a special way
Keeping your body steady and not falling over
Making your body longer or reaching further
Making your body soft and calm
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic body awareness and control
- Understanding of personal space
- Following simple instructions
Current Skills
- Controlled bending, stretching and reaching
- Coordinated breathing with movement
- Balance and stability in static poses
Next Steps
- More complex yoga sequences
- Improved flexibility and strength
- Leading others through poses
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Never force stretches - yoga should feel good, not painful
- Breathing is more important than perfect pose alignment
- Every body is different - celebrate individual achievements
- Use imagery and storytelling to make poses engaging and memorable
- Create a calm, non-judgmental atmosphere for exploration
- Focus on how poses feel rather than how they look
- Encourage self-confidence through positive reinforcement
Common Misconceptions
- Yoga poses must be perfect - emphasise personal best over perfection
- You must be flexible to do yoga - explain yoga improves flexibility over time
- Holding breath makes you stronger - teach that breathing supports strength
- Only quiet children are good at yoga - show that all personalities can enjoy yoga
- Yoga is only stretching - include strength and balance elements
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter pose holds initially, movement breaks between static poses, fidget tools available during relaxation
dyspraxia
- Extra time to process pose instructions, simplified poses with fewer steps, peer buddy support for positioning
autism spectrum
- Visual schedule showing lesson structure, quiet corner available, consistent routine and familiar poses
visual impairment
- Clear verbal descriptions of all poses, tactile guidance for positioning, use of bells or sound cues for timing
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations with clear gestures, written or picture cards showing poses, vibrating timer for holds
physical disability
- Chair-based yoga variations, modified poses using props, focus on accessible movements within individual range
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Listening skills, following instructions, descriptive language, storytelling
Maths
Counting breaths, timing holds, spatial awareness, symmetry in poses
Science
Human body systems, breathing and circulation, muscles and bones
PSHE
Self-confidence, self-awareness, managing feelings, setting personal goals
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the space to support individual students, position centrally for demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for proper breathing, safe pose alignment, and confident participation
Intervention Points
Step in if poses are forced, breathing is held, or students appear uncomfortable
Demonstration Notes
Model every pose clearly, emphasise the feeling over the appearance, show modifications for different abilities
Verbal Cues
- •'Breathe like the wind in the trees'
- •'Only go as far as your body wants to'
- •'Strong roots, tall trunk'
- •'Soft breathing, strong body'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 4m x 4m clear space, indoor hall or suitable outdoor area
Surface Check
Clean, non-slip surface suitable for yoga mats or barefoot practice
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Yoga mats checked for tears or slippery surfaces
- •Adequate spacing between mats (1.5m minimum)
- •Story book and music equipment positioned safely
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Slips during standing balance poses
- •Overstreching in forward bends
- •Neck strain in advanced poses
- •Loss of balance in tree pose
Risk Mitigation
- •Progressive introduction of poses from simple to complex
- •Emphasis on personal limits - never force stretches
- •Wall support available for balance poses
- •Clear instruction to move slowly and mindfully
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all students during balance poses
- •Monitor breathing and exertion levels
- •Watch for students pushing beyond comfortable limits
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately for any discomfort, provide support and alternative positions, seek additional help if injury occurs