Lesson 1 - Intro to Yoga Movement
Mind-Body Connection
•Year 2
•Yoga
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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
Arrange in circle formation for introduction, then spread for individual practice
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares if mats unavailable
Place at front of room to represent the sun
Alternative: Yellow bean bags or laminated sun pictures
Test volume level for calm background music
Alternative: Tablet or phone with good volume
Have readily accessible for reading during activity
Alternative: Create own simple story with desert theme
Key Vocabulary
Exercise for the mind, body and breath that makes us feel good
A greeting used in yoga to say hello, goodbye and thank you
Standing tall with feet together, arms by sides, like a strong mountain
A sequence of yoga poses that flows together to greet the sun
Paying attention to how our body and mind feel in the present moment
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
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