Lesson 6 - Animal Flow & Breath
Mind-Body Connection
•Year 2
•Yoga
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How can we move like animals while staying calm and controlled with our breathing?
Learning Objectives
- To show control in an animal flow sequence
- To move with control and in time with breath
- To teach others a self-created sequence
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate controlled animal yoga poses with coordinated breathing
- Students will create and teach their own animal flow sequences to peers
- Students will show awareness of breath sensations during mindful activities
Equipment & Resources Required
Arranged in circle formation for group activities
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares
Distributed to pairs during skill development
Alternative: Picture cards of animals in yoga poses
Track 34 'Breathe' playing softly throughout
Alternative: Mindfulness app sounds
Available for reference during pair work
Alternative: Laminated animal pictures
Key Vocabulary
Moving smoothly from one yoga pose to the next without stopping
A respectful greeting meaning 'I bow to you' with hands in prayer position
An upside-down V shape with hands and feet on ground
Noticing how breathing feels in your body
A series of yoga poses linked together in order
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic yoga poses from previous lessons
- Understanding of slow, controlled movements
- Experience with partner work
Current Skills
- Fluid movement between poses
- Breath awareness and control
- Creating and teaching sequences
Next Steps
- More complex flowing sequences
- Advanced breathing techniques
- Independent mindfulness practice
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise slow, flowing movement like moving through honey
- Connect animal sounds with breathing for mindfulness and engagement
- Support partner cooperation and peer teaching opportunities
- Maintain calm, respectful atmosphere throughout with consistent opening/closing rituals
- Focus on breath awareness as foundation for all yoga practice
- Encourage creativity while maintaining safe, controlled movement
- Model perfect pose alignment and provide individual guidance
Common Misconceptions
- That yoga poses must be perfect rather than focused on effort and improvement
- That breathing should be forced rather than natural and flowing
- That animal sounds are silly rather than helpful for breathing and engagement
- That sequences must be complex rather than simple and well-executed
- That mindfulness time is for sleeping rather than aware, calm breathing
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter sequences initially, movement breaks between static poses, clear boundaries for partner work
dyspraxia
- Simplified pose sequences, extra time for coordination, visual reference cards for pose positions
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet space available if needed, consistent routine with opening and closing
visual impairment
- Use tactile guidance for pose positioning, provide verbal descriptions of all poses, buddy system for support
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations of breathing patterns, written pose instruction cards, visual cues for timing
physical disability
- Seated modifications of all poses, upper body versions of animal movements, adapted breathing exercises
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development through animal names, descriptive language for movement qualities, speaking and listening during teaching
Maths
Counting breathing patterns, sequencing poses in order, timing and rhythm in flows
Science
Body systems during exercise, breathing and circulation, animal classification and characteristics
PSHE
Self-awareness through mindfulness, cooperation and respect in partner work, managing emotions through breathing
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around circle during activities, central position for demonstrations, close proximity during mindfulness
Observation Focus
Monitor breathing coordination, pose quality, partner cooperation, and engagement with mindfulness aspects
Intervention Points
Step in if students rush through sequences, struggle with breathing coordination, or need support with partner work
Demonstration Notes
Model perfect poses with clear animal sounds, show breath coordination visibly, demonstrate respectful teaching methods
Verbal Cues
- •'Flow like honey, slow and smooth'
- •'Breathe in through your nose, out with animal sounds'
- •'Help your partner get the pose just right'
- •'Hold your pose while you make your animal sound'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor space with adequate room for all students to lie down with arms extended
Surface Check
Clean, non-slip surface suitable for barefoot movement
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check yoga mats are clean and securely positioned
- •Ensure mats don't slip on floor surface
- •Verify audio equipment volume appropriate for mindful activities
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Slipping on unsecured mats
- •Overexertion in poses
- •Collision during movement activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Ensure adequate spacing between students
- •Emphasise slow, controlled movements throughout
- •Monitor for any signs of discomfort or dizziness
- •Provide alternative positions for those with physical limitations
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all students during floor work
- •Move around space during partner work to offer support
- •Pay particular attention during transitions between lying and standing
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if any student shows signs of distress, provide appropriate support and follow school first aid procedures