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Lesson 1 - Intro to Yoga Movement

Mind-Body Connection

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Year 2

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Yoga

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43 min

Big Question

How can yoga help us connect our mind, body and breath to feel calm and strong?

Learning Objectives

To develop controlled movement and flexibility through basic yoga poses
To develop an understanding of what yoga is and its benefits
To learn to coordinate breath with movement and develop mindfulness

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate controlled movement in basic yoga poses
Students will understand that yoga combines mind, body and breath
Students will be able to follow a simple sequence with focus and control

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

30 (1 per student)

Arrange in circle formation for introduction, then spread for individual practice

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares if mats unavailable

Cones

Place at front of room to represent the sun

Alternative: Yellow bean bags or laminated sun pictures

PE Equipment

1 speaker system

Test volume level for calm background music

Alternative: Tablet or phone with good volume

Sun Salutation Story

1 copy for teacher

Have readily accessible for reading during activity

Alternative: Create own simple story with desert theme

Key Vocabulary

Yoga

Exercise for the mind, body and breath that makes us feel good

Namaste

A greeting used in yoga to say hello, goodbye and thank you

Mountain Pose

Standing tall with feet together, arms by sides, like a strong mountain

Sun Salutation

A sequence of yoga poses that flows together to greet the sun

Mindfulness

Paying attention to how our body and mind feel in the present moment

Body Scan

Thinking about each part of your body from toes to head to help you relax

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic body awareness and spatial understanding
Ability to follow simple movement instructions
Experience with stretching and basic balance

Current Skills

Introduction to yoga poses and terminology
Controlled movement and flexibility development
Basic breathing techniques and mindfulness

Next Steps

More complex yoga sequences and flows
Extended mindfulness and meditation practices
Partner and group yoga activities

Milestone Indicators

Can hold basic poses for 3-4 counts

Shows control when transitioning between poses

Demonstrates understanding of breath awareness

Key Teaching Points

Always emphasise controlled, gentle movement over achievement of 'perfect' poses
Create a calm, non-competitive environment where all attempts are valued
Use nature imagery and storytelling to make poses engaging and memorable
Connect breath awareness to movement throughout the lesson
Model mindfulness and present-moment awareness in your own teaching approach
Encourage students to listen to their bodies and respect their limits
Use the namaste greeting consistently to build yoga culture and respect

Common Misconceptions

Students may think yoga is too easy or not 'real' exercise - explain strength and flexibility benefits
Some may believe they need to be flexible to do yoga - emphasise that yoga develops flexibility
Students might think poses must look perfect - stress that everyone's body is different
May assume breathing is automatic and doesn't need attention - teach conscious breathing
Some may find mindfulness 'boring' - explain how it helps with sports and school focus

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short, varied activities, movement breaks between poses, clear boundaries and expectations

dyspraxia

Simplified poses, extra practice time, visual and physical demonstrations

autism spectrum

Clear routine and structure, visual schedule of poses, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions for all poses, tactile guidance where appropriate, audio cues for position changes

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations for all instructions, hand signals for breathing, written pose cards

physical disability

Seated modifications for all poses, use of props for support, focus on achievable range of movement

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following story narrative, learning new vocabulary, expressing feelings

Maths

Counting breaths, timing poses, understanding sequence and pattern

Science

Understanding body systems, breathing and relaxation responses

PSHE

Emotional regulation, mindfulness, self-awareness and wellbeing

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around space to observe all students, central position for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for proper alignment, controlled movement, engagement level

Intervention Points

Step in if students showing signs of strain, confusion, or safety concerns

Demonstration Notes

Model all poses clearly, emphasise quality over perfection, maintain calm energy throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Listen to your body'
•'Breathe slowly and deeply'
•'Move like you're moving through honey'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 6m x 8m clear area with non-slip surface

Surface Check

Dry, clean surface free from obstacles, yoga mats properly positioned

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check yoga mats are clean and not torn
•Ensure cones are stable and visible
•Verify audio equipment volume is appropriate

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Slipping on mats
•Overstretching or strain during poses
•Collisions during movement activities

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear personal space boundaries
•Emphasise controlled, gentle movements
•Teach students to listen to their bodies
•Provide pose modifications for different abilities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all students during poses
•Monitor closely during balance poses
•Check breathing isn't forced or strained

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess student calmly, seek first aid if needed