Lesson 2 - Breathing, Balance and Strength
Balance & Breath Wellness
•Year 4
•Yoga
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How can controlled breathing help us hold challenging yoga poses with confidence and strength?
Learning Objectives
- To hold yoga positions with good alignment and proper body shape
- To use controlled breathing techniques to support pose stability
- To develop self-reflection skills and recognise success in others
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved balance and alignment in standing poses
- Students will use breath awareness to enhance pose quality and duration
- Students will show respect and encouragement towards peers' efforts
Equipment & Resources Required
Arrange in rows with 2 metres spacing between students
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares if mats unavailable
Volume low enough for clear instruction hearing
Alternative: Quiet environment if music unavailable
Large enough for whole class to see clearly
Alternative: Teacher demonstration only
Key Vocabulary
The correct positioning of body parts in relation to each other
Paying attention to how we breathe in and out during movements
Staying steady and stable in different positions
A specific yoga position held with good form
Paying full attention to what our body and mind are doing right now
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic body awareness and simple stretches
- Understanding of left and right
- Experience following simple movement instructions
- Awareness of breathing as automatic body function
Current Skills
- Coordinated breathing with specific movements
- Static balance in various positions
- Body alignment and postural awareness
- Self-reflection and peer observation skills
Next Steps
- Flowing sequences linking multiple poses
- More advanced balancing challenges
- Independent practice and self-correction
- Leading others through simple sequences
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Safety always comes before achievement - every body is different
- Breathing is the foundation of all yoga practice
- Balance comes from strong foundation, not perfection
- Relaxation is as important as the active poses
- Yoga is about personal growth, not comparison with others
- Mindfulness and gratitude enhance the physical benefits
- Regular practice creates improvement over time
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: You must be flexible to do yoga. Correction: Yoga develops flexibility gradually and safely
- Misconception: Poses must look perfect. Correction: Individual body differences mean poses look different on everyone
- Misconception: Yoga is too easy or boring. Correction: Yoga builds strength, balance and mental focus
- Misconception: You shouldn't feel challenged. Correction: Appropriate challenge with breath awareness promotes growth
- Misconception: Relaxation time is not important. Correction: Relaxation integrates learning and develops mindfulness
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Movement breaks between static poses, clear physical boundaries, fidget tools during relaxation
dyspraxia
- Simplified pose sequences, wall support for balance, extra time for pose transitions
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, quiet relaxation space, visual schedule of poses, sensory break options
visual impairment
- Detailed verbal descriptions of poses, tactile guidance for alignment, buddy system for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstration emphasis, hand signals for breathing cues, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Chair-adapted versions of poses, emphasis on upper body movements, supported balance options
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting breaths, timing holds, symmetry in poses, spatial awareness
Science
Body systems, breathing and oxygen, muscle function, balance and coordination
Geography
Cultural origins of yoga, different traditions around the world
PSHE
Self-awareness, managing emotions, respect for others, mindfulness and wellbeing
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around room during poses to offer individual guidance, return to front for demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for safe alignment, coordinated breathing, appropriate effort levels, and positive peer interactions
Intervention Points
Step in if students forcing poses beyond safe limits, having difficulty with breathing, or showing negative self-talk
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Clear, slow movements with emphasis on breathing, show modifications for different abilities, maintain peaceful energy throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Listen to your body - it knows what's right for you'
- •'Strong and steady like a mountain'
- •'Let your breath help you stay calm and focused'
- •'Every body is different and that's perfect'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 4m x 6m clear space, yoga mats for all students
Surface Check
Non-slip mats on clean, level floor surface
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Mats checked for tears or slippery surfaces
- •Adequate space between students (2m minimum)
- •Wall support available for balance poses
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls during balance poses
- •Overstretching in forward folds and backbends
- •Wrist strain in weight-bearing poses
- •Dizziness during position changes
Risk Mitigation
- •Progressive pose introduction with modifications
- •Emphasis on individual limits and listening to body
- •Clear instruction on safe foot placement in balance poses
- •Wall support offered for all balance challenges
- •No competition or comparison encouraged
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all students during balance poses
- •Monitor breathing patterns during challenging poses
- •Watch for signs of overexertion or forcing poses
- •Ensure proper alignment to prevent injury
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury suspected, basic first aid, contact school medical support if needed