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Lesson 6 - Three-Part Breathing

Mindful Creative Movement

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Year 2

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Yoga

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56 min

Big Question

How can focused breathing help us feel calm and concentrate better?

Learning Objectives

To learn and practice three-part breathing technique
To develop mindful awareness through yoga poses
To demonstrate sporting values of respect and self-control

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to perform three-part breathing independently
Students will execute yoga poses with correct technique and breathing
Students will show improved focus and concentration skills

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arranged in rows with space between for movement

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares for comfort

Relaxation Music

1 audio system

Volume low enough for instructions to be heard

Alternative: Soft instrumental music or nature sounds

Storybook

1 (The Snail and The Whale suggested)

Ready for relaxation section

Alternative: Any calming sea-themed story

Key Vocabulary

Three-part breathing

A breathing technique where you breathe into your belly, ribs, and chest in sequence

Mindfulness

Paying attention to what you are doing and feeling right now

Pose

A position you hold still while breathing deeply

Balance

Keeping your body steady and not falling over

Concentration

Focusing your mind on one thing at a time

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of breathing in and out
Ability to follow simple movement instructions
Experience with listening and responding to teacher cues

Current Skills

Three-part breathing technique
Fundamental yoga poses and transitions
Mindful awareness and concentration

Next Steps

Combining breathing with more complex movements
Creating personal yoga sequences
Using breathing techniques in other subjects

Milestone Indicators

Consistent use of deep breathing during activities

Ability to hold poses for appropriate duration

Demonstration of improved focus and calmness

Key Teaching Points

Breathing should always be natural and comfortable, never forced
Process and effort matter more than perfect pose execution
Create calm, non-competitive atmosphere throughout
Model mindfulness and focus in your own demonstrations
Connect breathing techniques to daily concentration needs
Ensure all students feel successful regardless of flexibility level
Use yoga as tool for emotional regulation and self-awareness

Common Misconceptions

Thinking yoga is only about flexibility - emphasise strength and mindfulness
Believing poses must look perfect - focus on personal best effort
Assuming breathing exercises are boring - make them engaging and purposeful
Thinking balance poses are impossible - provide support and modifications
Believing relaxation time is optional - emphasise importance for learning

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Movement breaks between poses, clear transitions, use of focusing techniques

dyspraxia

Simplified pose instructions, extra practice time, partner support for balance

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of poses, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

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

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all poses, written instruction cards, sign language for key terms

physical disability

Chair-based versions of poses, modified poses to suit mobility, focus on breathing techniques

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, listening skills, descriptive vocabulary for movements and feelings

Maths

Counting breaths, timing poses, understanding sequences and patterns

Science

Learning about breathing, body systems, and the effects of exercise on the body

PSHE

Self-awareness, managing feelings, concentration skills, and mindfulness techniques

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around room to observe all students, position near any students needing extra support

Observation Focus

Watch for proper breathing technique, safe pose alignment, and signs of concentration

Intervention Points

Step in if poses appear unsafe, if breathing is forced, or if students become distressed

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Model calm breathing, show pose modifications, emphasise process over perfection

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe naturally, never force it'
•'Only go as far as feels comfortable'
•'Focus on your own practice, not comparing to others'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 4m x 4m clear space per student for full movement range

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, mats or carpet for floor poses, clear of obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Mats checked for wear and cleanliness
•Audio equipment at appropriate volume
•Story book appropriate for age group

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Overstretching in forward folds
•Loss of balance in standing poses
•Strain from backbends
•Dizziness from breathing exercises

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise comfort over depth in all poses
•Provide wall support for balance poses
•Teach gradual entry and exit from poses
•Monitor breathing pace to prevent hyperventilation

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all students during poses
•Monitor for signs of strain or discomfort
•Watch for students holding breath

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if student shows distress, provide comfort and assess need for first aid or rest