Lesson 2 - Yoga Poses and Mindfulness
Diverse Fitness Development
•Year 4
•Health Related Fitness
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can yoga help us become more flexible in both body and mind?
Learning Objectives
- To perform a variety of yoga poses with correct technique and control
- To understand the importance of flexibility and relaxation for physical and mental wellbeing
- To develop concentration, focus and mindfulness through breathing techniques
Key Outcomes
- Students will perform 10 different yoga poses safely and with increasing control
- Students will explain how flexibility benefits both body and mind
- Students will demonstrate improved focus and concentration through mindful breathing
Equipment & Resources Required
Arranged in rows with arms-width spacing between mats
Alternative: Towels, carpet squares, or designated floor space
Volume low enough to hear instructions clearly
Alternative: Natural sounds, or silence if preferred
Display cards at front for reference during practice
Alternative: Teacher demonstration only
Key Vocabulary
The ability of muscles and joints to move through their full range of motion
Paying attention to the present moment with awareness and focus
Positioning the body correctly in yoga poses for safety and effectiveness
Strength and control in the muscles around your middle that support your spine
A breathing technique that fills the belly, chest, and head in sequence
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
- Following instructions and copying movements
Current Skills
- Static balance and core stability
- Controlled breathing techniques
- Mindfulness and concentration
- Flexibility and range of motion
Next Steps
- Complex yoga sequences and flow
- Independent mindfulness practice
- Teaching poses to others
- Combining yoga with other fitness activities
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Safety first - never force flexibility or balance poses
- Breathing is more important than perfect pose alignment
- Model calm, peaceful energy throughout the lesson
- Respect individual comfort levels, especially during touch activities
- Emphasise internal awareness over comparison to others
- Create inclusive atmosphere where all abilities are celebrated
- Use yoga as tool for emotional regulation and life skills
Common Misconceptions
- Flexibility comes immediately - explain it develops gradually over time
- Yoga is only for flexible people - emphasise it builds flexibility for everyone
- Perfect poses are required - focus on effort and personal progress
- Relaxation is lazy - explain how it strengthens mind and reduces stress
- Boys don't do yoga - highlight strength and athletic benefits
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter pose holds, more frequent transitions, fidget tools if needed
autism spectrum
- Consistent routine, visual schedule, quiet corner available, advance warning of touch activities
visual impairment
- Detailed verbal descriptions of poses, physical guidance, tactile cues for alignment
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstration cards, hand signals, written instruction sheets
physical disability
- Chair-based modifications, supported poses, adapted ranges of motion
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following detailed instructions, new vocabulary, descriptive language in visualisation
Maths
Counting breaths, timing holds, understanding symmetry in poses
Science
Understanding how muscles and joints work, breathing and circulation systems
PSHE
Emotional regulation, self-awareness, caring for others, building confidence
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around class during poses, stay central and visible during instruction
Observation Focus
Watch for proper alignment, breathing coordination, and emotional comfort
Intervention Points
Step in if students forcing poses, showing distress, or inappropriate touch
Demonstration Notes
Model every pose clearly, show modifications, maintain calm energy throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Listen to your body'
- •'Breathe slowly and smoothly'
- •'Find your own version of the pose'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 2m x 1.5m per student, clear of obstacles and furniture
Surface Check
Non-slip mats or clean, dry floor surface suitable for lying down
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Yoga mats clean and in good condition with no tears
- •Adequate spacing to prevent collisions during poses
- •Room temperature warm enough for relaxation period
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Strains from forcing flexibility
- •Falls during balance poses
- •Inappropriate touch during partner massage
- •Discomfort with eyes-closed activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise 'no forcing' and listen to body signals
- •Allow wall support for all balance poses
- •Clear boundaries and consent for all touch activities
- •Alternative activities for students uncomfortable with relaxation
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Monitor pose alignment to prevent injury
- •Close supervision during partner massage activity
- •Watch for students becoming dizzy or uncomfortable
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if any discomfort, have students sit or lie down, provide water if needed