Lesson 3 - Strength in Yoga Poses
Mind-Body Connection
•Year 2
•Yoga
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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
Arrange in large circle with space between each mat
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares if mats unavailable
Have cards ready to distribute during skill development
Alternative: Printed yoga pose pictures or teacher demonstration
Test 'Breathe' and 'India' tracks before lesson
Alternative: Smartphone speaker or no music if unavailable
Key Vocabulary
A respectful greeting used in yoga meaning 'I bow to you'
Moving smoothly from one yoga pose to another in sequence
Standing pose where you sit back as if sitting in an invisible chair
Strong standing pose with arms stretched wide and legs in lunge position
Balance pose standing on one leg with other foot placed on standing leg
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
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