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Lesson 8 - Breath-Flow Integration

Mind-Body Connection

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Year 2

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Yoga

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50 min

Big Question

How can we use our breath to guide our movement and create calm, controlled yoga flows?

Learning Objectives

I can copy a yoga flow, changing my breath to match the poses
I can link actions together smoothly with breath awareness
I can move with control and in time with my breathing rhythm

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate coordinated movement with breathing patterns
Students will show improved body awareness and mindfulness
Students will be able to perform flowing sequences with control

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arranged in circle formation with space for movement around each mat

Alternative: Towels, carpet squares, or marked floor spaces

Tunnel Systems

Pre-loaded with Track 34 'Breathe' and other calming yoga music

Alternative: Bluetooth speaker, tablet with speaker

Cards

6 animal cards

Large, clear images of cat, cow, lion, snake, elephant, bird

Alternative: Printed pictures or teacher demonstrations

Timer

Visible to all students for breathing activities

Alternative: Sand timer, phone timer with gentle sound

Key Vocabulary

Namaste

A greeting that means 'I bow to you' - showing respect

Flow

Moving smoothly from one yoga pose to another

Inhale

Breathing air into your lungs through your nose

Exhale

Breathing air out of your lungs through your mouth or nose

Mindfulness

Paying attention to the present moment and how we feel

Yoga mat

A special mat that gives us grip and comfort for yoga

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic yoga poses from previous lessons
Understanding of breathing in and out
Ability to follow simple movement instructions

Current Skills

Coordinating breath with movement
Creating flowing sequences
Leading others in poses
Advanced breathing techniques

Next Steps

Complex yoga sequences
Partner yoga poses
Independent mindfulness practice
Teaching yoga to others

Milestone Indicators

Smooth transitions between poses

Visible breath control during movement

Ability to maintain pose while breathing deeply

Natural coordination of inhale and exhale with movement

Key Teaching Points

Breathing is the foundation of all yoga movement
Every body is different - modify poses to fit individual needs
Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment
Respect and kindness create a safe practice environment
Consistent practice builds strength, flexibility, and calm
Yoga is about feeling good in your body, not perfect poses
Breath awareness can help with emotions and concentration

Common Misconceptions

Yoga poses must look exactly like the teacher's - correct by emphasising individual body differences
Breathing faster makes you stronger - teach slow, controlled breathing
You must be flexible to do yoga - explain yoga develops flexibility over time
Mindfulness means empty mind - clarify it means focused, aware attention
Perfect poses are the goal - emphasise feeling good and breathing well

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Incorporate movement breaks, use visual and auditory cues, provide clear expectations and boundaries

dyspraxia

Break down movements into smaller steps, provide extra practice time, use visual guides for pose alignment

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule, offer quiet space options, use consistent routine and structure

visual impairment

Use clear verbal descriptions of poses, provide tactile guidance, use audio cues for breathing patterns

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and gestures, provide written pose cards, use visual timers

physical disability

Offer seated versions of all poses, adapt breathing exercises for individual needs, provide supportive equipment

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development with feeling words, following multi-step instructions, speaking and listening skills

Maths

Counting breath patterns, timing holds, understanding sequences and patterns

Science

Understanding respiratory system, exploring how breathing affects heart rate and body functions

PSHE

Emotional regulation, mindfulness, respect for self and others, building confidence

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around circle perimeter to observe all students, return to centre for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Breath quality, pose alignment, emotional state, peer interactions

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with breathing, showing signs of distress, or unsafe in poses

Demonstration Notes

Model perfect posture and breathing, show modifications for different abilities, maintain calm, peaceful energy throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe like peaceful ocean waves'
•'Let your body be soft but strong'
•'Notice how your body feels right now'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m clear space with soft flooring or mats

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, check for obstacles or hazards in movement area

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check yoga mats are clean and non-slip
•Ensure audio equipment volume is appropriate
•Verify visual cards are laminated and safe

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Overexertion in poses
•Hyperventilation from breathing exercises
•Emotional overwhelm from mindfulness
•Slips on mats

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise listening to body limits
•Monitor breathing exercises carefully
•Provide emotional support and alternatives
•Ensure mats are positioned safely

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all students
•Monitor breathing exercises closely
•Watch for signs of discomfort or distress

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if any student shows distress, provide calm reassurance and appropriate first aid or support