Lesson 4 - Breathing Control and Meditation
Inner Strength & Calm
•Year 3
•Yoga
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How can controlling our breathing help us feel calm and strong?
Learning Objectives
- To develop breathing control techniques during yoga practice
- To understand the importance of relaxation and meditation for wellbeing
- To perform a sequence of yoga poses with focus on breath awareness
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate controlled breathing patterns during yoga poses
- Students will experience the calming effects of meditation and relaxation
- Students will show improved focus and body awareness through mindful movement
Equipment & Resources Required
Arranged in rows with space between for arm movements
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares for comfort
Volume low enough for clear instruction hearing
Alternative: Peaceful nature sounds or silence if preferred
Large enough for whole class visibility
Alternative: Teacher demonstration only
Key Vocabulary
Managing how we breathe in and out to help our body and mind feel calm
A practice where we focus our mind to feel peaceful and relaxed
A specific body position that we hold during yoga practice
Having our body in the correct position for safety and effectiveness
Keeping our body steady and controlled whilst in different positions
Paying attention to what our body and mind are doing right now
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic body awareness and balance from previous yoga sessions
- Understanding of personal space and following movement instructions
- Experience with simple breathing exercises
Current Skills
- Controlled breathing techniques during physical activity
- Coordination of breath with movement in yoga poses
- Meditation and mindfulness practices for relaxation
Next Steps
- More complex yoga sequences with flowing movements
- Extended meditation practices with visualisation
- Teaching breathing techniques to support other physical activities
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Breathing is the foundation of all yoga practice - always return to breath awareness
- Never force stretches - yoga should feel good, not painful
- Balance poses require focus and patience - wobbling is completely normal
- Relaxation and meditation require practice - some students may find it challenging initially
- Create calm, peaceful atmosphere through your own energy and voice tone
- Encourage personal progress rather than comparison with others
- Connect breathing techniques to daily life for stress management and focus
Common Misconceptions
- Yoga is only about flexibility - explain it's about breathing, balance, strength and mindfulness
- You must be perfect in poses - emphasise that everyone's body is different and practice is personal
- Meditation means empty mind - teach that focused attention on breathing is the goal
- Yoga is not 'real' exercise - explain the strength, balance and coordination benefits
- Some students can't do yoga - show how every pose can be adapted for every body
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter pose holds initially, movement breaks between static poses, clear structure and expectations
dyspraxia
- Simplified poses initially, extra practice time, wall support for balance, focus on breathing over perfect form
autism spectrum
- Consistent routine and structure, visual schedule of poses, quiet space available if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Clear verbal descriptions of all poses, physical guidance for positioning, tactile cues for alignment
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of breathing patterns, sign language for key instructions, visual cue cards
physical disability
- Seated versions of all poses, chair yoga adaptations, focus on breathing and upper body movements
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development with yoga terms, following complex instructions, expressing feelings and experiences
Maths
Counting breaths and timing holds, understanding patterns in breathing rhythms, measuring personal progress
Science
Understanding how breathing affects heart rate and oxygen in the body, exploring the nervous system and relaxation response
Art
Visualisation skills, creating mental images of colours and peaceful scenes, expressing feelings through movement
PSHE
Emotional regulation through breathing, mindfulness for mental health, self-care and wellbeing strategies
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around space to check alignment, position for clear visibility during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for proper breathing, safe alignment, and signs of relaxation during meditation
Intervention Points
Step in if students forcing stretches, losing balance unsafely, or disturbing others' relaxation
Demonstration Notes
Show all poses clearly from side view, emphasise breath audibly, model calm peaceful energy throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Breathe slowly and deeply'
- •'Listen to your body'
- •'Soft movements like flowing water'
- •'Find your peaceful place'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 4m x 6m clear space, yoga mats with 1m spacing between students
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, mats properly positioned and not sliding
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Yoga mats clean and in good condition
- •No sharp edges or obstacles in movement area
- •Music volume appropriate for hearing instructions
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Overstretching in forward bends and backbends
- •Loss of balance in standing poses
- •Dizziness during transitions from lying to standing
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise listening to body and not forcing stretches
- •Provide wall support for balance poses
- •Ensure slow transitions between positions
- •Monitor students during deep relaxation for comfort
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all students during poses
- •Monitor alignment to prevent strain
- •Watch for fatigue or discomfort during holds
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if student shows distress, provide comfort and support, seek first aid if needed