Lesson 1 - Yoga Poses and Breathing
Inner Strength & Calm
•Year 3
•Yoga
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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
Arrange in rows with 1 metre spacing between mats
Alternative: Towels, carpet squares, or marked floor spaces
Volume low enough for teacher instructions to be heard clearly
Alternative: Nature sounds or complete silence
Key Vocabulary
A specific body position held with control and balance
Conscious control of inhaling and exhaling to support movement and focus
Maintaining steady control of your body position
Concentrating your attention on your body and breathing
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
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