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Lesson 2 - Yoga Poses and Mindful Movement

Athletic Foundations: Endurance to Power

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Year 3

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Health Related Fitness

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45 min

Big Question

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

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arranged in grid pattern with arm's length spacing

Alternative: Towels, carpet squares, or clear floor space

Background Music

1 playlist

Low volume to aid concentration

Alternative: Nature sounds, or work in silence

Cards

1 set of 10

Displayed where all students can see clearly

Alternative: Teacher demonstration, poster displays

Key Vocabulary

Flexibility

The ability to move joints through their full range of motion

Balance

The ability to maintain control of body position

Mindfulness

Paying attention to the present moment and how our body feels

Core

The muscles in your middle that help keep your body strong and stable

Posture

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

Holds poses for 5+ seconds

Shows smooth, controlled movements

Demonstrates improved flexibility over time

Maintains focus throughout session

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