Lesson 2 - Breathing and Balance
Mindful Creative Movement
•Year 2
•Yoga
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Arranged in rows with arm's width spacing
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares
Volume low enough to hear instructions
Alternative: Nature sounds or complete silence
Ready for relaxation section
Alternative: Nature imagery cards or guided meditation
Key Vocabulary
Taking air in and out of your lungs in a controlled way
Keeping your body steady and not falling over
A specific position you hold your body in during yoga
Paying careful attention to what your body is doing
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
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