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Lesson 2 - Flexibility and Flow Development

Mindful Movement & Balance

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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 to help us move more gracefully and feel calmer?

Learning Objectives

To develop flexibility and balance through yoga poses
To learn how breathing can improve focus and control
To create and remember a sequence of movements

Key Outcomes

Students will hold yoga poses with improved balance and control
Students will use breathing techniques to enhance their practice
Students will work cooperatively to create a flowing sequence

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arrange in rows with arms-width spacing between mats

Alternative: Towels, carpet tiles, or marked floor spaces

Background Music

1 audio system

Volume low enough for instructions to be heard clearly

Alternative: Meditation app, nature sounds, or silence

Cards

5 sets for group work

One set per group of 6 students, laminated for durability

Alternative: Printed pictures, tablet images, or teacher demonstration

Sun Salutation Story

1 for teacher reference

Keep accessible for reading aloud during activity

Alternative: Simple pose sequence poster or teacher's own sequence

Key Vocabulary

Namaste

A respectful greeting meaning 'the light in me honours the light in you'

Flow

Moving smoothly from one yoga pose to another

Sun Salutation

A sequence of yoga poses performed in flowing movement

Breath Control

Using breathing to help focus and improve balance

Mindfulness

Being aware of your body 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
Ability to follow simple instructions
Experience with simple stretching movements

Current Skills

Holding static poses with balance
Coordinating breath with movement
Creating simple movement sequences
Developing mindfulness and focus

Next Steps

More complex yoga sequences
Partner and group yoga poses
Independent practice and self-regulation
Teaching poses to others

Milestone Indicators

Can hold pose for 3 breaths without wobbling

Moves smoothly between poses

Uses breath naturally to aid balance

Shows improved flexibility over time

Key Teaching Points

Breathing is the foundation of all yoga practice
Every pose should feel good - never force or cause pain
Balance comes from finding a focus point and breathing steadily
Yoga is about personal progress, not comparing to others
Mindfulness means paying attention to how your body feels right now
Working together makes yoga more enjoyable and supportive
The journey in yoga is more important than the destination

Common Misconceptions

Thinking yoga poses must look exactly like demonstrations - correct with: 'Your pose is perfect for YOUR body'
Believing flexibility is required before starting - correct with: 'Yoga helps you become more flexible'
Assuming breathing isn't important - correct with: 'Breathing is what makes yoga different from just stretching'
Thinking yoga is too easy or not 'real' exercise - correct with: 'Yoga builds strength, balance and focus'
Believing you must be silent and serious - correct with: 'Yoga can be peaceful AND enjoyable'

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter pose holds initially, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback

dyspraxia

Simplified pose variations, extra practice time, break down complex movements into steps

autism spectrum

Predictable routine, visual schedule of poses, quiet retreat space available

visual impairment

Clear verbal descriptions of poses, tactile guidance, use of textures on mats for positioning

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, hand signals for breathing, written pose instructions available

physical disability

Seated versions of poses, adapted movements, use of props like blocks or straps

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development, following instructions, describing experiences and feelings

Maths

Counting breaths, timing poses, sequencing and patterns in flows

Science

Understanding the respiratory system, how breathing affects heart rate and body function

PSHE

Self-awareness, managing emotions through breathing, mindfulness and wellbeing

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around space to observe all students, speak from central position during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for safe pose alignment, breath coordination, and group cooperation

Intervention Points

Step in if poses become unsafe, breathing causes distress, or groups need support

Demonstration Notes

Model all poses clearly, emphasise safety points, show modifications

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe slowly and deeply'
•'Only go as far as feels good'
•'Find your focus point'
•'Listen to your body'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 8m x 12m clear space, yoga mats or defined individual areas

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, clean and dry, free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Yoga mats checked for tears or slippery surfaces
•Audio equipment tested and volume appropriate
•Cards laminated with no sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during balance poses
•Overstretching or forcing poses
•Dizziness from breathing exercises
•Neck strain in forward folds

Risk Mitigation

•Adequate spacing between students during practice
•Clear instruction to only go as far as comfortable
•Slow transitions between sitting/lying/standing
•Emphasis on gentle movements and listening to body

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all students during balance poses
•Monitor breathing exercises for any distress
•Watch for students pushing beyond safe limits

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, contact school nurse if needed