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Lesson 5 - Group Meditation and Advanced Poses

Balance & Breath Wellness

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Year 4

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Yoga

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45 min

Big Question

How can we create our own meditation practices and support each other in advanced yoga poses?

Learning Objectives

To devise and share personal meditation techniques
To work collaboratively in groups to perform complex yoga poses
To demonstrate advanced breathing techniques and relaxation skills

Key Outcomes

Students will create their own meditation practice
Students will successfully perform group yoga poses with coordination
Students will apply relaxation techniques independently

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arrange in rows with adequate space between each mat

Alternative: Towels, carpet squares, or designated floor spaces

Relaxation Music

1 playlist

Soft background music for meditation section

Alternative: Nature sounds, or conduct in silence

Key Vocabulary

Meditation

A practice of focused attention and mindfulness to achieve calm and clarity

Balance

Maintaining stability while holding a pose

Alignment

Proper positioning of body parts in yoga poses

Breathing pattern

Coordinated inhaling and exhaling with movement

Group pose

Yoga positions performed by multiple people working together

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic yoga poses from previous lessons
Simple breathing techniques
Understanding of mindfulness concepts

Current Skills

Advanced pose sequences
Group coordination in yoga
Personal meditation creation
Reflective practices

Next Steps

Creating longer meditation sequences
Teaching poses to younger students
Developing personal yoga routines

Milestone Indicators

Smooth transitions between poses

Maintaining balance for extended periods

Creating coherent meditation narratives

Supporting others' learning effectively

Key Teaching Points

Never force any yoga pose - listen to your body
Breathing is as important as the physical pose
Every body is different - celebrate individual progress
Group poses require communication and patience
Meditation is a personal skill that improves with practice
Safety always comes before achieving the 'perfect' pose
Yoga is about how you feel, not how you look

Common Misconceptions

Thinking yoga poses must look 'perfect' - emphasise personal progress over perfection
Believing flexibility is required before starting - yoga develops flexibility gradually
Assuming meditation means completely empty mind - guide students that wandering thoughts are normal
Thinking breathing doesn't matter - reinforce that breath is the foundation of yoga
Believing yoga is too easy or 'not real exercise' - highlight strength and focus required

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular movement breaks, shorter meditation periods, clear physical boundaries, fidget-friendly alternatives

dyspraxia

Simplified pose instructions, extra demonstration time, wall support for balance, step-by-step guidance

autism spectrum

Predictable routine, clear start/end signals, quiet meditation space, visual schedule of poses

visual impairment

Use clear verbal descriptions of all poses, partner support for balance poses, tactile guidance for positioning

hearing impairment

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

physical disability

Seated versions of all poses, adapted movements focusing on what can be moved, chair support for standing poses

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Descriptive language for meditation, following complex instructions, creative storytelling

Maths

Counting breaths, timing poses, spatial awareness and positioning

Science

Body systems during exercise, muscle groups and flexibility, breathing and oxygen

PSHE

Emotional regulation, mindfulness, stress management, cooperation and teamwork

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around space to observe all students, kneel at student level during meditation

Observation Focus

Watch for safe pose alignment, breathing patterns, group cooperation, relaxation engagement

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe pose attempts, support struggling students, manage group dynamics

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: All poses clearly with alternatives, show breathing techniques visibly, model calm energy throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe deeply and move slowly'
•'Listen to your body - never force'
•'Support each other in group poses'
•'Find your peaceful place inside'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum hall space 12m x 8m, clear of obstacles, non-slip surface

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface suitable for floor work and balancing

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check yoga mats are clean and non-slip
•Ensure adequate spacing between mats (2m minimum)
•Remove any damaged mats

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during balance poses
•Overstretching in forward bends
•Neck strain in bridge pose
•Collisions during group work

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise no forcing or straining in any pose
•Demonstrate safe entry and exit from all poses
•Use wall support for balance poses if needed
•Clear spacing protocols for group work
•Progressive approach - build up to advanced poses

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all students during balance poses
•Monitor group formations closely
•Watch for signs of dizziness or discomfort
•Ensure meditation space feels safe and comfortable

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess any discomfort, provide appropriate support or first aid