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Lesson 4 - Breathing Control and Relaxation

Balance & Breath Wellness

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Year 4

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Yoga

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45 min

Big Question

How can controlling our breathing help us feel calm, focused and strong in our bodies?

Learning Objectives

To control breathing during movement and exercise
To understand the importance of relaxation for physical and mental wellbeing
To learn basic meditation techniques for mindfulness

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate controlled breathing during yoga poses
Students will explain why relaxation is important for our bodies and minds
Students will participate in guided meditation with focused attention

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arrange in rows with space between each mat for arm movements

Alternative: Towels, carpet area, or soft grass area

Background Music

1 speaker system

Volume low enough for voice instructions to be clearly heard

Alternative: No music - natural sounds or silence work well

Blanket

1 (optional)

Available for children who get cold during relaxation

Alternative: Students can use school jumpers

Key Vocabulary

Meditation

A practice of focusing the mind to achieve mental clarity and emotional calm

Breathing control

Using conscious awareness to make breathing slow, deep and steady

Relaxation

A state of rest where muscles are loose and the mind is calm

Mindfulness

Paying full attention to the present moment and how we feel

Pose

A specific position or shape we make with our body during yoga

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of inhaling and exhaling
Ability to follow simple movement instructions
Experience with quiet listening activities

Current Skills

Controlled breathing during physical activity
Static balance and body awareness
Mindfulness and meditation techniques

Next Steps

Advanced yoga sequences with breath synchronisation
Independent relaxation and stress management
Teaching breathing techniques to others

Milestone Indicators

Maintains steady breathing during challenging poses

Shows visible relaxation during meditation

Can explain benefits of controlled breathing

Key Teaching Points

Breathing control is the foundation of all yoga practice
Poses should feel strong but never painful
Balance comes from focus and steady breathing
Relaxation is as important as active movement
Every body is different and all variations are welcome
Mindfulness helps us feel calm and focused
Yoga helps us connect our body, breath and mind

Common Misconceptions

Thinking yoga poses must look exactly like demonstrations - emphasise personal range
Believing breathing should be forced or controlled unnaturally - teach natural, steady rhythm
Assuming relaxation means falling asleep - explain active, aware relaxation
Thinking yoga is only about flexibility - highlight strength, balance and mindfulness
Believing meditation requires empty mind - teach focused attention instead

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular movement breaks between poses, clear physical boundaries, fidget tools during meditation if needed

dyspraxia

Simplified pose sequences, additional time for positioning, wall support for balance poses

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of poses, quiet corner available, consistent calming environment

visual impairment

Detailed verbal descriptions of poses, use of tactile cues, partner support for positioning

hearing impairment

Visual demonstration of all poses, written instruction cards, vibration cues for breathing rhythm

physical disability

Chair-based yoga variations, upper body focus if needed, modified poses for limited mobility

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following complex instructions, descriptive language in visualisation, positive vocabulary

Maths

Counting breaths, timing poses, spatial awareness in positioning

Science

Understanding how breathing affects heart rate and relaxation, body systems during exercise

PSHE

Emotional regulation, self-awareness, mindfulness and mental wellbeing strategies

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around room during active poses, sit near students during meditation for calming presence

Observation Focus

Monitor breathing quality, pose alignment, and emotional state throughout lesson

Intervention Points

Assist with pose modifications, guide breathing if rapid or shallow, support relaxation environment

Demonstration Notes

Model calm energy throughout, demonstrate poses with breath coordination, show complete relaxation during meditation

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe like you're smelling flowers'
•'Make your body strong but your breath soft'
•'Find your peaceful place inside'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 2m x 1.5m per student for yoga mat and movement space

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, yoga mats properly positioned and flat

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Yoga mats checked for cleanliness and no tears
•Adequate space between mats for arm movements
•Optional blankets clean and available for relaxation

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Overstretching in forward bends
•Loss of balance in standing poses
•Neck strain in backbends
•Dizziness during relaxation transition

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise comfortable range of motion over deep stretches
•Provide wall support for balance poses when needed
•Monitor neck alignment in all poses
•Gradual transition from relaxation to sitting

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all students during balance poses
•Monitor breathing and comfort during challenging poses
•Ensure quiet, respectful environment during meditation

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if any student experiences pain, dizziness or breathing difficulty