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Lesson 2 - Breathing, Balance and Strength

Balance & Breath Wellness

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Year 4

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Yoga

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45 min

Big Question

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

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arrange in rows with 2 metres spacing between students

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares if mats unavailable

Background Music

Audio system

Volume low enough for clear instruction hearing

Alternative: Quiet environment if music unavailable

Cards

1 set

Large enough for whole class to see clearly

Alternative: Teacher demonstration only

Key Vocabulary

Alignment

The correct positioning of body parts in relation to each other

Breath awareness

Paying attention to how we breathe in and out during movements

Balance

Staying steady and stable in different positions

Pose

A specific yoga position held with good form

Mindfulness

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

Maintains steady breathing during challenging poses

Shows improved balance from lesson to lesson

Offers constructive feedback to peers

Demonstrates increasing confidence in pose attempts

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