Lesson 6 - Animal Flow and Breathing Technique
Inner Strength Development
•Year 4
•Yoga
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How can breath control and animal movements help us become more flexible and mindful?
Learning Objectives
- To improve flexibility and technique in an animal-inspired flow sequence
- To develop breath control and coordination with movement
- To create and share personal yoga sequences with confidence
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate controlled movement between yoga poses
- Students will use breathing techniques to enhance flexibility and focus
- Students will create and teach their own animal flow sequences
Equipment & Resources Required
Arranged in large circle for animal flow practice
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares if mats unavailable
Available around room perimeter for inspiration
Alternative: Animal picture cards or poses displayed on board
Ready for mindfulness section
Alternative: Teacher-led counting or gentle music
To create appropriate atmosphere
Alternative: Quiet instrumental music or silence
Key Vocabulary
Moving smoothly from one pose to another without stopping
A greeting that means 'the light in me honours the light in you'
Breath control techniques used in yoga practice
Proper positioning of body parts in yoga poses
Being fully present and aware of the current moment
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic yoga poses from previous lessons
- Understanding of controlled movement
- Simple breathing awareness
Current Skills
- Flowing movement between poses
- Coordinated breathing with movement
- Creating personal sequences
- Teaching and demonstrating to peers
Next Steps
- Advanced flowing sequences
- Complex breathing patterns
- Partner and group yoga flows
- Independent mindfulness practice
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always prioritise comfort and safety over perfect pose appearance
- Model calm, mindful energy throughout the entire lesson
- Emphasise breathing awareness in every activity and pose
- Encourage personal expression while maintaining yoga principles
- Create supportive atmosphere where all attempts are valued
- Demonstrate clear transitions between poses to maintain flow
- Use animal imagery to make poses accessible and engaging
Common Misconceptions
- Yoga poses must look exactly like teacher demonstration - correct by emphasising personal adaptation
- Holding breath makes poses stronger - teach that breathing enhances poses
- Flexibility is required to start yoga - explain that yoga develops flexibility
- Boys can't do yoga or it's not athletic - show that yoga builds strength and focus
- Yoga is just stretching - teach that it includes strength, balance, and mindfulness
- Faster transitions are better - emphasise that slow, controlled movement is the goal
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent movement between poses, clear focus points, calming breathing emphasis
dyspraxia
- Simplified sequences, extra practice time, support with coordination and balance
autism spectrum
- Predictable routine structure, quiet space option, clear visual sequence cards
visual impairment
- Detailed verbal descriptions of poses, tactile guidance for alignment, partner support for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, written instructions available, vibrations for breathing rhythm
physical disability
- Chair-based pose modifications, supported versions of floor poses, emphasis on personal comfort level
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Descriptive language for animal movements, clear communication when teaching, listening skills
Maths
Counting breathing patterns, time awareness for pose holds, spatial awareness and positioning
Science
Understanding body systems, effects of breathing on heart rate, muscle flexibility and strength
PSHE
Mindfulness and wellbeing, self-awareness, respect for self and others, managing emotions
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central to circle for demonstrations, circulate during partner work, return to centre for group activities
Observation Focus
Watch for proper alignment, breathing patterns, partnership cooperation, and mindful engagement
Intervention Points
Step in if poses unsafe, support nervous demonstrators, help with difficult transitions
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate poses first, show modifications, emphasise breathing throughout, model calm energy
Verbal Cues
- •'Breathe like gentle waves'
- •'Move like flowing water'
- •'Make the pose work for your body'
- •'Hold for three deep breaths'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Indoor space 10m x 10m minimum, clean floor suitable for yoga mats
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, mats secure and clean, adequate cushioning for floor poses
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check yoga mats for tears or slippery surfaces
- •Ensure audio equipment volume appropriate for calm atmosphere
- •Yoga cards in good condition with clear images
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Overstretching or forcing poses beyond comfortable range
- •Loss of balance during standing poses
- •Neck strain from incorrect alignment
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise comfort over perfection in all poses
- •Demonstrate proper alignment for each pose clearly
- •Encourage students to modify poses to suit their bodies
- •Monitor individual capabilities and provide alternatives
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all students during poses
- •Circulate during partner work to ensure safe practice
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or discomfort
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess student comfort, seek first aid support if needed