Lesson 4 - Breathing Control and Relaxation
Balance & Breath Wellness
•Year 4
•Yoga
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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
Arrange in rows with space between each mat for arm movements
Alternative: Towels, carpet area, or soft grass area
Volume low enough for voice instructions to be clearly heard
Alternative: No music - natural sounds or silence work well
Available for children who get cold during relaxation
Alternative: Students can use school jumpers
Key Vocabulary
A practice of focusing the mind to achieve mental clarity and emotional calm
Using conscious awareness to make breathing slow, deep and steady
A state of rest where muscles are loose and the mind is calm
Paying full attention to the present moment and how we feel
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
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