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Lesson 2 - Breathing and Stretching

Stories & Breathing Practices

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Year 1

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Yoga

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40 min

Big Question

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

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arrange in grid formation with adequate spacing

Alternative: Carpet tiles, small blankets, or marked floor spaces

Relaxation Music

1 audio system

Volume low enough to hear instructions

Alternative: Calm instrumental music or nature sounds

Storybook

1 (Arctic themed)

Have ready for conclusion relaxation

Alternative: Any calming story or meditation guide

Key Vocabulary

Breathe

To take air into your lungs and let it out slowly

Pose

A yoga position where you hold your body in a special way

Balance

Keeping your body steady and not falling over

Stretch

Making your body longer or reaching further

Relax

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

Can hold poses for 3-5 breaths

Shows smooth transitions between poses

Demonstrates poses independently

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