Lesson 3 - Body Control and Mindful Movement
Inner Strength & Calm
•Year 3
•Yoga
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we use our breath and body awareness to stay calm and focused?
Learning Objectives
- To develop control and isolation of different body parts through yoga poses
- To practice concentration techniques and avoid distraction during mindful movement
- To build self-motivation and physical confidence through breathing and relaxation
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate controlled movement in yoga poses
- Students will maintain focus during breathing exercises and meditation
- Students will show increased self-awareness and confidence in their physical abilities
Equipment & Resources Required
Arranged in grid formation with 1m spacing between mats
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares if mats unavailable
Volume low enough for instructions to be heard clearly
Alternative: None needed - can practice in silence
Key Vocabulary
Standing tall with feet hip-width apart, arms by sides, body strong and grounded
Standing balance pose with one foot placed on the opposite leg
A flowing sequence of yoga poses synchronized with breathing
Resting pose sitting back on heels with forehead touching the ground
Paying attention to the present moment and how your body feels
Feeling thankful and appreciative for positive things in your life
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic body awareness and spatial understanding
- Simple breathing techniques from previous yoga sessions
- Understanding of personal space and safety
Current Skills
- Advanced breathing coordination with movement
- Body part isolation and controlled movement
- Sustained concentration and mindfulness
Next Steps
- Complex yoga sequences with partner work
- Leading others through guided relaxation
- Creating personal yoga routines
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Safety first - all poses should be comfortable, never forced
- Breath awareness is more important than perfect pose alignment
- Model peaceful, calm demeanor throughout the lesson
- Emphasise personal practice rather than comparison with others
- Create inclusive environment where all abilities are welcomed
- Use gratitude practice to develop positive mindset and emotional regulation
- Connect physical practice with mental well-being and concentration
Common Misconceptions
- Flexibility is required for yoga - emphasise that yoga develops flexibility gradually
- Poses must look exactly like demonstrations - focus on personal best effort
- Yoga is just stretching - explain mind-body connection and breathing benefits
- Everyone should be able to balance easily - normalize wobbling and using modifications
- Meditation means clearing all thoughts - teach that noticing thoughts is part of practice
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent position changes, clear movement cues, emphasis on breath focus for attention
dyspraxia
- Simplified pose variations, extra practice time, peer buddy system for support
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of poses, quiet corner available for breaks
visual impairment
- Clear verbal descriptions of all poses, partner guidance for positioning, tactile cues for alignment
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations from multiple angles, written instruction cards, sign language if appropriate
physical disability
- Chair-based modifications for all poses, alternative props for support, focus on achievable movements
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following detailed instructions, vocabulary development, expressing feelings
Maths
Counting breaths, timing holds, spatial awareness and positioning
Science
Understanding body systems, effects of breathing on heart rate, balance and coordination
PSHE
Emotional regulation, self-awareness, gratitude practice, respectful relationships
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Centre front for demonstrations, circulate during practice for individual support
Observation Focus
Watch for safe alignment, breathing patterns, concentration levels, and respectful interaction
Intervention Points
Step in if poses look unsafe, breathing becomes laboured, or group activities become inappropriate
Demonstration Notes
Model all poses clearly from multiple angles, emphasise modifications, maintain calm peaceful demeanor throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Listen to your body'
- •'Breathe slowly and deeply'
- •'Only go as far as feels comfortable'
- •'Remember to be gentle with yourself and others'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m clear space, non-slip surface preferred
Surface Check
Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Yoga mats clean and in good condition
- •Adequate spacing between mats for movement
- •Music volume appropriate for hearing instructions
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Slips during poses on smooth surfaces
- •Knee or back strain in seated poses
- •Loss of balance during standing poses
- •Inappropriate touch during group massage
Risk Mitigation
- •Use yoga mats or towels for grip and cushioning
- •Teach modifications for all poses
- •Emphasise listening to body and stopping if uncomfortable
- •Clear guidelines for appropriate touch and consent
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all students during poses
- •Monitor closely during balance challenges
- •Circulate during group activities to ensure appropriate behaviour
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess need for first aid, have clear path to exit