Lesson 1 - Mindful Movement and Balance
Balance & Breath Wellness
•Year 4
•Yoga
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How can breathing and mindful movement help us find balance in our bodies and minds?
Learning Objectives
- To perform a variety of yoga poses with control and focus
- To understand how breathing affects our body and mind
- To develop balance, flexibility and core strength through sustained practice
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate at least 8 different yoga poses with correct alignment
- Students will explain how deep breathing helps prepare the body for movement
- Students will maintain focus and balance for extended periods during poses
Equipment & Resources Required
Space mats 1.5m apart in a grid formation for clear movement area
Alternative: Towels, carpet squares, or clear floor space
Volume low enough for clear teacher instructions
Alternative: Recorded nature sounds, or practice in silence
Key Vocabulary
Positioning the body correctly with proper posture
Maintaining stability while in different positions
Using stomach muscles to support the spine and maintain posture
Paying attention to the present moment and how our body feels
Coordinating breath with movement in a steady pattern
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic body awareness and spatial understanding
- Simple stretching movements
- Understanding of personal space
Current Skills
- Balance poses requiring core engagement
- Controlled breathing techniques
- Mindful movement with focus and concentration
Next Steps
- Flowing sequences linking multiple poses
- Advanced balance challenges
- Independent practice and self-regulation
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Breathing is the foundation of all yoga practice - teach this first and reinforce constantly
- Progress gradually from simple to complex poses to build confidence and strength
- Emphasise effort and personal growth over perfect pose achievement
- Create a calm, non-competitive environment where all students feel safe to try
- Use imagery and storytelling to make poses engaging and memorable
- Always provide modifications to ensure every student can participate successfully
- Model mindful, peaceful energy throughout the entire lesson
Common Misconceptions
- Yoga is only about flexibility - emphasise strength, balance and mental focus too
- Perfect pose shapes are the goal - focus on effort and personal improvement instead
- Yoga should be silent and serious - incorporate joy, creativity and appropriate fun
- Some students 'can't do yoga' - show how every body can benefit with proper modifications
- Breathing is automatic so doesn't need teaching - demonstrate how conscious breathing supports practice
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide movement options within poses, use concrete focus points
dyspraxia
- Simplify pose instructions, allow extra practice time, provide physical support as needed
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, allow sensory breaks as needed, use visual schedules for pose sequences
visual impairment
- Use clear verbal descriptions, allow hand-on-hand guidance for pose placement, provide tactile cues for alignment
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations, written pose cards, simple hand signals for breathing cues
physical disability
- Adapt poses for seated practice, use chair support for standing poses, modify based on individual mobility
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development with pose names, following complex instructions, reflective speaking
Maths
Counting breaths, timing holds, understanding sequences and patterns in poses
Science
Learning about breathing, heart rate, and how exercise affects the body systems
PSHE
Emotional regulation, self-awareness, gratitude practice, and mindfulness skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location for demonstrations, move around room for individual support
Observation Focus
Watch for proper alignment, breathing patterns, and effort level
Intervention Points
Step in for safety concerns, provide encouragement during challenges
Demonstration Notes
Model calm, focused energy throughout lesson. Show poses from multiple angles. Emphasise that teacher is also learning and growing.
Verbal Cues
- •'Breathe deeply and slowly'
- •'Listen to your body'
- •'It's okay to wobble - that's how we learn balance'
- •'Focus on effort, not perfection'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 15m clear space, non-slip surface ideal
Surface Check
Even, clean surface free from obstacles, yoga mats recommended
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Yoga mats checked for tears or slippery surfaces
- •Adequate space between mats for safe movement
- •Music volume allows clear instruction hearing
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls during balance poses
- •Over-stretching in flexibility poses
- •Dizziness when moving from lying to standing
Risk Mitigation
- •Progress gradually to challenging poses
- •Always offer modifications and alternatives
- •Emphasise listening to body signals
- •Slow transitions between positions
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all students during balance poses
- •Circulate during floor work for individual support
- •Monitor for fatigue or frustration in challenging poses
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately for injury, provide first aid as needed, have students sit quietly during any emergency response