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Lesson 2 - Breathing and Balance

Mindful Creative Movement

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Year 2

•

Yoga

•

45 min

Big Question

How can mindful breathing help us find balance and calm in our bodies?

Learning Objectives

To develop controlled breathing techniques during yoga poses
To improve balance and coordination through static yoga positions
To demonstrate self-motivation and confidence in physical activities

Key Outcomes

Students will perform breathing exercises with proper technique
Students will hold yoga poses with improved balance and control
Students will show increased confidence and self-motivation in movement

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arranged in rows with arm's width spacing

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares

Calming Music

1 speaker system

Volume low enough to hear instructions

Alternative: Nature sounds or complete silence

Storybook

1 (Arctic Stories or similar)

Ready for relaxation section

Alternative: Nature imagery cards or guided meditation

Key Vocabulary

Breathing

Taking air in and out of your lungs in a controlled way

Balance

Keeping your body steady and not falling over

Pose

A specific position you hold your body in during yoga

Mindful

Paying careful attention to what your body is doing

Stretch

Making your muscles longer and more flexible

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic body awareness and spatial understanding
Simple stretching movements from previous lessons
Following multi-step instructions

Current Skills

Controlled breathing during movement
Static balance in various yoga poses
Mindful movement and body awareness

Next Steps

More complex yoga sequences
Partner and group yoga poses
Creating personal yoga routines

Milestone Indicators

Breathing remains controlled during challenging poses

Can maintain balance for 10+ seconds

Shows confidence in trying new poses

Key Teaching Points

Breathing should remain natural and controlled throughout all poses
Personal limits must be respected - no forcing or pushing beyond comfort
Balance poses require focus point and strong supporting leg
Mindfulness means paying attention to body sensations without judgement
Safe entry and exit from poses prevents injury
Creative expression should be encouraged within safety boundaries
Relaxation time is as important as active pose work

Common Misconceptions

That yoga poses must look exactly like demonstrations - emphasise personal variation
That balance should be perfect immediately - explain that wobbling is normal and part of learning
That breathing exercises are boring - connect to real benefits like feeling calmer
That boys can't do yoga - ensure inclusive language and examples throughout
That you must be flexible to do yoga - emphasise that yoga improves flexibility over time

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular position changes, movement breaks within poses, clear behaviour expectations

dyspraxia

Simplified pose instructions, additional practice time, wall support for balance

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson structure, quiet space available, predictable routine

visual impairment

Clear verbal descriptions of all poses, tactile guidance for positioning, buddy system for support

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with exaggerated movements, written pose cards, sign language if available

physical disability

Seated versions of all poses, chair support for standing poses, adapted range of movement

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Descriptive language, listening skills, storytelling through movement

Science

Body systems, breathing and circulation, balance and forces

Art

Creative expression through movement, visual imagery and imagination

Geography

Arctic environments, animal habitats, weather and climate

PSHE

Self-awareness, emotional regulation, confidence building, mindfulness

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around room to observe all students, kneel to child level during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Balance stability, breathing coordination, confidence levels, safe pose execution

Intervention Points

Support struggling students without singling out, offer modifications proactively

Demonstration Notes

Show poses slowly and clearly, offer multiple variations, emphasise breath throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Listen to your body'
•'Breathe like ocean waves'
•'Strong like a mountain'
•'Gentle like falling snow'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 4m x 3m per student with clear floor space

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, mats secure, no obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Yoga mats clean and in good condition
•Adequate space between mats for movement
•Story book appropriate and calming content

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during balance poses
•Overstretching or forcing poses
•Dizziness from forward folds or breathing exercises

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise personal limits and listening to body
•Wall support available for balance poses
•Slow, controlled movements throughout
•Regular reminders about safe pose entry and exit

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all students during balance poses
•Monitor breathing exercises for any distress
•Check neck safety during fish pose

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess comfort, provide appropriate support or first aid