Lesson 6 - Three-Part Breathing
Mindful Creative Movement
•Year 2
•Yoga
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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
Arranged in rows with space between for movement
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares for comfort
Volume low enough for instructions to be heard
Alternative: Soft instrumental music or nature sounds
Ready for relaxation section
Alternative: Any calming sea-themed story
Key Vocabulary
A breathing technique where you breathe into your belly, ribs, and chest in sequence
Paying attention to what you are doing and feeling right now
A position you hold still while breathing deeply
Keeping your body steady and not falling over
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
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