Lesson 6 - Yoga Benefits & Practice
Inner Strength & Calm
•Year 3
•Yoga
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How can yoga help us feel better in our minds and bodies, and how can we use it in our daily lives?
Learning Objectives
- To articulate the physical and mental benefits of yoga practice
- To demonstrate a sequence of yoga poses with proper breathing techniques
- To develop strategies for continuing yoga practice independently
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to explain at least three benefits of yoga
- Students will perform yoga poses with correct alignment and breathing
- Students will create a personal plan for using yoga outside school
Equipment & Resources Required
Arrange in rows with 1 metre spacing between mats
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares
Volume low enough for voice instructions to be heard clearly
Alternative: Natural sounds or silence
Available for final relaxation if desired
Alternative: Small cushions or bean bags
Key Vocabulary
The positive effects or advantages something gives us
Focusing the mind to achieve a calm, peaceful state
A series of poses or movements performed in a specific order
The correct positioning of body parts in a yoga pose
Being fully aware and present in the current moment
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic body awareness and spatial understanding
- Simple stretching movements from previous lessons
- Understanding of breathing techniques
Current Skills
- Identifying physical and mental benefits of yoga
- Performing flowing yoga sequences with breath coordination
- Developing self-motivation for independent practice
Next Steps
- Creating personal yoga routines
- Leading yoga sessions for others
- Applying mindfulness techniques in other areas
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Never force poses - yoga should feel good, not painful
- Breathing is more important than perfect pose alignment
- Every body is different - modifications are always welcome
- Focus on internal awareness rather than external appearance
- Relaxation and meditation are skills that improve with practice
- Yoga benefits are cumulative - small regular practice is better than occasional long sessions
- Create safe, non-judgmental environment for self-exploration
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking yoga is only for flexible people - address with modifications and individual progress focus
- Believing poses must look perfect - emphasise personal journey over appearance
- Assuming meditation means emptying the mind - explain it's about noticing thoughts without judgement
- Thinking yoga is too easy or not 'real' exercise - highlight strength and focus requirements
- Believing boys can't do yoga - use inclusive language and diverse role models
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break longer holds into shorter segments, provide fidget alternatives, use movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Give extra demonstration time, use wall support, break complex poses into smaller steps
autism spectrum
- Maintain consistent routine, provide visual schedule, offer quiet corner for overwhelm
visual impairment
- Provide verbal descriptions of poses, use tactile guidance, ensure clear pathways between mats
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations, hand signals, written pose instructions on cards
physical disability
- Offer chair-based modifications, adapt poses for wheelchairs, provide additional props for support
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development, following complex instructions, descriptive language for sensations
Maths
Counting breaths, timing holds, spatial awareness and body geometry
Science
Understanding how breathing affects heart rate and stress levels, exploring muscle groups and flexibility
PSHE
Emotional regulation, self-awareness, positive self-talk, managing anxiety and stress
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location during instruction, move among students during practice, return to central for group guidance
Observation Focus
Watch for proper alignment, breathing patterns, engagement level, and any signs of discomfort
Intervention Points
Step in if poses look unsafe, provide individual modifications, offer emotional support during meditation
Demonstration Notes
Model all poses clearly, show modifications, demonstrate breathing visibly, maintain calm presence throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Breathe into the pose'
- •'Find your edge, don't force'
- •'Notice without judging'
- •'Every body is different and perfect'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 8m x 12m clear space for mat layout and movement
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, mats securely placed, adequate cushioning
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check mats have no tears or slippery surfaces
- •Ensure props are clean and in good condition
- •Music volume allows for clear instruction hearing
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Over-stretching in poses
- •Loss of balance in standing poses
- •Neck strain during relaxation
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise never forcing poses
- •Provide wall support for balance poses
- •Offer cushions for comfortable lying positions
- •Monitor for individual limitations
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all students during poses
- •Move quietly during meditation segments
- •Watch for signs of discomfort or overexertion
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately for any pain or discomfort, provide quiet space for anyone feeling overwhelmed during meditation