Lesson 2 - Yoga Poses and Mindful Movement
Athletic Foundations: Endurance to Power
•Year 3
•Health Related Fitness
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can yoga help us become more flexible in both our bodies and minds?
Learning Objectives
- To perform a variety of yoga poses with control and balance
- To understand the importance of flexibility and relaxation in daily life
- To develop focus, concentration and mindfulness through movement
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate 8-10 yoga poses with improved technique
- Students will explain how flexibility benefits their body and mind
- Students will show sustained concentration during breathing and pose work
Equipment & Resources Required
Arranged in grid pattern with arm's length spacing
Alternative: Towels, carpet squares, or clear floor space
Low volume to aid concentration
Alternative: Nature sounds, or work in silence
Displayed where all students can see clearly
Alternative: Teacher demonstration, poster displays
Key Vocabulary
The ability to move joints through their full range of motion
The ability to maintain control of body position
Paying attention to the present moment and how our body feels
The muscles in your middle that help keep your body strong and stable
How we hold our body when standing, sitting or moving
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic body awareness and balance
- Simple stretching movements
- Following movement instructions
Current Skills
- Static balance poses
- Controlled breathing techniques
- Flexibility and strength combinations
- Mindfulness and concentration
Next Steps
- Yoga sequences and flows
- Advanced balance challenges
- Leading others in relaxation
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always prioritise safety over achievement - no forcing stretches
- Model mindfulness and calm behaviour throughout the session
- Emphasise individual progress rather than comparison with others
- Use breathing as the foundation for all poses and movements
- Connect physical flexibility with mental flexibility and focus
- Create a peaceful, non-competitive atmosphere
- Provide modifications and alternatives for all ability levels
Common Misconceptions
- Students think they must touch toes in forward bends - emphasise feeling the stretch over reaching destination
- Believing yoga is only for flexible people - explain everyone can benefit and improve
- Thinking poses must look exactly like teacher's - celebrate individual variations within safe limits
- Assuming yoga is not 'real' exercise - highlight strength and fitness benefits alongside flexibility
- Misconception that holding breath helps with poses - emphasise continuous breathing for success
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Regular movement breaks between poses, shorter hold times, use props to maintain interest and focus
dyspraxia
- Break poses into smaller steps, use wall support for balance poses, extra time for position adjustments
autism spectrum
- Predictable routine structure, visual schedule of pose sequence, quiet alternative space if needed
visual impairment
- Detailed verbal descriptions of poses, physical guidance for positioning, use tactile cues for alignment
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, sign language for key terms like 'breathe' and 'stretch'
physical disability
- Chair-adapted versions of poses, focus on accessible stretches, celebrate individual range of movement
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following verbal instructions, using descriptive language for body sensations, learning Sanskrit pose names and meanings
Maths
Counting breaths and timing holds, understanding symmetry in poses, measuring flexibility improvements over time
Science
Learning about muscles, bones and joints, understanding how breathing affects the body, exploring balance and gravity
PSHE
Developing self-awareness, managing emotions through breathing, understanding body signals and limits
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around room to observe all students, model poses from different angles for visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for proper alignment, appropriate effort levels, sustained breathing, signs of discomfort
Intervention Points
Step in if students forcing stretches, showing poor alignment, or disrupting others' concentration
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Each pose clearly with proper alignment, show modifications for different abilities, maintain calm and peaceful demeanour throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Breathe smoothly and deeply'
- •'Only stretch as far as feels good'
- •'Find your balance and hold it steady'
- •'Notice how your body feels right now'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 2m x 2m per student, clear of obstacles, non-slip surface preferred
Surface Check
Ensure mats are flat and secure, floor is clean and dry
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check mats have no tears or holes
- •Ensure adequate spacing between students
- •Music at appropriate volume level
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Overstretching and injury
- •Loss of balance in standing poses
- •Dizziness from position changes
- •Collisions during movement
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise listening to body and stopping if pain occurs
- •Teach safe falling (step down, don't jump)
- •Slow transitions between floor and standing positions
- •Clear personal space boundaries established
- •No forcing or bouncing in stretches
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all students clearly
- •Watch for students pushing beyond comfort limits
- •Monitor breathing and facial expressions for strain
- •Provide alternative positions for those struggling
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school procedures if needed