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Lesson 1 - Yoga Poses and Breathing

Inner Strength & Calm

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Year 3

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Yoga

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use our breath and body to create calm focus and strength?

Learning Objectives

To perform a variety of yoga poses with control and balance
To use breathing techniques to maintain focus and relaxation
To understand how yoga prepares the body and mind for physical activity

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate 8-10 different yoga poses with improved balance and control
Students will use breathing techniques to enhance their performance and focus
Students will explain how yoga helps prepare their body and mind for exercise

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arrange in rows with 1 metre spacing between mats

Alternative: Towels, carpet squares, or marked floor spaces

Background Music

1 playlist

Volume low enough for teacher instructions to be heard clearly

Alternative: Nature sounds or complete silence

Key Vocabulary

Pose

A specific body position held with control and balance

Breathing

Conscious control of inhaling and exhaling to support movement and focus

Balance

Maintaining steady control of your body position

Focus

Concentrating your attention on your body and breathing

Mindfulness

Being fully aware of your body, breath, and feelings in the present moment

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic body awareness and spatial understanding
Following simple movement instructions
Understanding of breathing

Current Skills

Static balance and control
Coordination of breathing with movement
Body awareness and mindfulness
Focus and concentration

Next Steps

More complex yoga sequences
Partner and group yoga poses
Integration of yoga principles into other sports

Milestone Indicators

Can hold poses without wobbling for 5+ seconds

Breathes consciously during movements

Shows improved focus and calm demeanor

Can transition smoothly between poses

Key Teaching Points

Breathing should be natural and relaxed, never forced or held
Poses should feel good - never push into pain or discomfort
Balance is different every day - wobbling is completely normal
Focus on your own practice rather than comparing to others
Yoga is about connecting mind, body and breath together
Every pose has benefits regardless of how it looks
Create a calm, supportive environment for learning

Common Misconceptions

Thinking you need to be flexible to do yoga - flexibility develops through practice
Believing perfect balance is required - wobbling and falling out of poses is normal learning
Assuming competitive achievement - yoga is personal practice focused on individual growth
Expecting immediate results - yoga benefits develop gradually through regular practice
Thinking breathing is automatic - conscious breathing requires practice and attention

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Movement breaks between poses, clear transitions, engaging themes and stories

dyspraxia

Simplified pose sequences, extra practice time, focus on effort over perfection

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of poses, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Detailed verbal descriptions of poses, physical guidance when appropriate, partner support

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, vibrations for breathing rhythm

physical disability

Chair-adapted poses, modified positions, focus on accessible movements

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, vocabulary development, descriptive language for sensations

Maths

Counting breaths, timing poses, spatial awareness and geometry of body positions

Science

Body systems during exercise, breathing and circulation, balance and coordination

PSHE

Mindfulness, emotional regulation, gratitude and positive thinking, self-awareness

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand where all students can see demonstrations, move around to check individual alignment

Observation Focus

Watch for balance, breathing coordination, and comfort levels in poses

Intervention Points

Step in if students forcing poses, showing discomfort, or losing focus

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate poses slowly and clearly, emphasise breathing throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe deeply and slowly'
•'Only go as far as feels good'
•'Balance is different every day'
•'Focus on your own practice'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m, clear of obstacles, non-slip surface

Surface Check

Clean, dry surface free from objects that could cause slips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Yoga mats checked for tears or slippery surfaces
•Adequate space between mats to prevent collisions
•Music volume allows clear instruction hearing

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during balance poses
•Overstretching in flexibility poses
•Collisions during moving poses

Risk Mitigation

•Wall support available for challenging balance poses
•Emphasis on gentle movement never forcing stretches
•Clear boundaries and personal space established
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex poses

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Monitor individual comfort levels in poses
•Watch for proper alignment especially in warrior and tree poses

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid support