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Lesson 3 - Strength in Yoga Poses

Mind-Body Connection

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Year 2

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Yoga

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50 min

Big Question

How can I use my breath and body to create strong, controlled movements that flow like water through honey?

Learning Objectives

To develop strength and coordination in yoga poses
To link simple sequences of actions with control
To use mindful breathing to enhance movement quality

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved strength and coordination in yoga poses
Students will link 3-4 yoga poses together in a flowing sequence
Students will use breathing techniques to enhance their movement control

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arrange in large circle with space between each mat

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares if mats unavailable

Cards

1 set per group (6 sets total)

Have cards ready to distribute during skill development

Alternative: Printed yoga pose pictures or teacher demonstration

Tunnel Systems

1 speaker system

Test 'Breathe' and 'India' tracks before lesson

Alternative: Smartphone speaker or no music if unavailable

Key Vocabulary

Namaste

A respectful greeting used in yoga meaning 'I bow to you'

Yoga flow

Moving smoothly from one yoga pose to another in sequence

Chair pose

Standing pose where you sit back as if sitting in an invisible chair

Warrior 2

Strong standing pose with arms stretched wide and legs in lunge position

Tree pose

Balance pose standing on one leg with other foot placed on standing leg

Mindfulness

Paying attention to the present moment with awareness and calm

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic body awareness and spatial understanding
Simple balance activities
Following basic movement instructions

Current Skills

Linking yoga poses together in sequence
Coordinating breath with movement
Developing strength and control in poses

Next Steps

Creating longer, more complex yoga flows
Teaching poses to others
Developing personal mindfulness practices

Milestone Indicators

Holds poses with stability for extended periods

Moves between poses with smooth transitions

Uses breath awareness to enhance movement quality

Key Teaching Points

Always coordinate breath with movement for enhanced mind-body connection
Emphasise personal progress over comparison with others
Use positive affirmations to build confidence and self-esteem
Create smooth transitions between poses rather than stopping and starting
Focus on how poses feel rather than how they look
Maintain calm, peaceful atmosphere throughout the lesson
Encourage mindful awareness of body, breath and emotions

Common Misconceptions

Thinking yoga is only about flexibility - emphasise that strength and balance are equally important
Believing poses must look 'perfect' - focus on personal best effort and improvement
Rushing through movements - emphasise slow, controlled, mindful movement
Holding breath during poses - constantly remind about breathing
Competing with others - reinforce that yoga is a personal practice
Thinking mindfulness is 'doing nothing' - explain it's active, focused awareness

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular movement breaks, clear boundaries, fidget tools if needed, praise for sustained attention

dyspraxia

Simplified poses, extra practice time, breaking down movements into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule, consistent routine, quiet space available, sensory break options

visual impairment

Clear verbal descriptions of all poses, tactile guidance for positioning, audio cues for breathing

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, sign language for key terms, visual breathing cues

physical disability

Seated versions of poses, adapted poses using chairs, modified movements to suit ability

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development, descriptive language for feelings, following and giving instructions

Maths

Counting breaths, sequencing poses, understanding time in holds

Science

Understanding breathing and circulation, body systems during exercise, balance and coordination

PSHE

Emotional wellbeing, self-awareness, managing feelings, building confidence

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the outside of the circle to observe all students, demonstrate from front when needed

Observation Focus

Watch for pose alignment, breathing quality, engagement with mindfulness activities

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with balance, correct unsafe pose alignment, support during emotional reflection

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate all poses clearly, emphasise breathing, model mindful attitude throughout lesson

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe slowly and deeply'
•'Feel your feet strong on the ground'
•'Move like you're swimming through honey'
•'Notice how this pose makes you feel'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum hall space 10m x 8m, clear of obstacles and projecting equipment

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface suitable for bare feet or socks

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Yoga mats checked for wear and tears
•Audio equipment tested and volume appropriate
•Yoga cards checked for damage and sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during balance poses
•Overstretching in forward folds
•Collisions during tagging game
•Dizziness from breathing exercises

Risk Mitigation

•Adequate spacing between students for all activities
•Clear boundaries established for movement games
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex poses
•Constant supervision during balance poses

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all students during balance activities
•Monitor breathing exercises for any signs of dizziness
•Watch for overexertion in challenging poses

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess student, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional support if needed