Lesson 6 - Breathing & Mindful Movement
Stories & Breathing Practices
•Year 1
•Yoga
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How can breathing in three parts help us focus our minds and calm our bodies?
Learning Objectives
- To practice 3-part breathing technique with control and awareness
- To perform yoga poses with focus and mindful attention
- To demonstrate sporting values of concentration and perseverance
Key Outcomes
- Students will breathe using the 3-part technique with increasing control
- Students will hold yoga poses while maintaining focus on their breathing
- Students will show improved concentration and mindful awareness
Equipment & Resources Required
Arranged in rows with arm's width spacing between mats
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares for comfort
Volume low enough for clear instruction hearing
Alternative: Nature sounds or silence
For relaxation session at lesson end
Alternative: Any calming sea-themed story
Large enough for all students to see clearly
Alternative: Teacher demonstration only
Key Vocabulary
Breathing that fills the belly, chest, and shoulders in sequence
Paying careful attention to what you are doing right now
Concentrating your attention on one thing
Standing tall and strong like a mountain
Bending forward from the hips while keeping legs straight
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic body awareness and movement control
- Simple breathing techniques
- Following instructions and working quietly
Current Skills
- 3-part breathing technique development
- Sustained focus and concentration skills
- Mindful movement and body control
Next Steps
- Extended breathing sequences
- More challenging balance poses
- Teaching breathing techniques to others
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- 3-part breathing should never be forced - always natural and comfortable
- Balance poses naturally involve wobbling - this is part of the learning
- Focus on personal progress rather than comparison with others
- Coordinate movement with breath awareness throughout lesson
- Maintain calm, peaceful energy that supports mindfulness practice
- Connect breathing techniques to real-life emotional regulation
- Use encouraging language that supports self-acceptance
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking yoga poses must look perfect - emphasise that everyone's body is different
- Believing breathing exercises should be forced or dramatic - teach gentle, natural breathing
- Expecting immediate mastery of balance poses - explain that wobbling is normal learning
- Thinking quiet concentration means no thoughts - teach that wandering minds are normal
- Believing flexibility is required for yoga - focus on personal range of motion
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter concentration periods initially, movement breaks between poses, fidget tools if helpful
dyspraxia
- Extra time for pose positioning, simplified sequences, focus on effort over perfection
autism spectrum
- Clear routine and structure, visual schedule of poses, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
- Use verbal descriptions for all poses, provide physical guidance for positioning, partner support for balance
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of poses, written instruction cards, use of sign language if known
physical disability
- Seated versions of all poses, chair yoga adaptations, focus on accessible breathing techniques
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Listening to stories, learning new vocabulary, following instructions
Maths
Counting breaths, timing holds, understanding sequences and patterns
Science
Learning about breathing, lungs, and how the body needs oxygen for movement
PSHE
Emotional regulation, self-awareness, mindfulness, and managing feelings
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around class during poses to check technique, stand centrally during breathing instruction
Observation Focus
Watch for correct breathing technique, safe pose alignment, signs of frustration or fatigue
Intervention Points
Step in if breathing becomes forced, offer support for difficult poses, redirect attention gently during concentration
Demonstration Notes
Model calm energy throughout, demonstrate all poses clearly, show 3-part breathing with visible hand movements
Verbal Cues
- •'Breathe naturally and calmly'
- •'Wobbling is perfectly normal in balance poses'
- •'Focus on your own practice, not others'
- •'If your mind wanders, gently return to your breath'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Indoor hall minimum 8m x 8m, or outdoor flat grassy area if dry
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, mats provide cushioning for floor work
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check mats are clean and positioned securely
- •Ensure adequate spacing between students for movement
- •Music volume appropriate for hearing instructions
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls during balance poses
- •Hyperventilation from breathing exercises
- •Dizziness from forward folds or lying down
Risk Mitigation
- •Wall support available for balance poses
- •Emphasise normal, controlled breathing - never forced
- •Slow transitions between poses, especially standing up
- •Teacher circulates to monitor breathing technique
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all students during balance poses
- •Monitor breathing exercises for signs of dizziness
- •Watch for fatigue during concentration periods
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if any student feels unwell, ensure student sits down calmly, provide water if needed