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Lesson 6 - Animal Flow and Breathing Technique

Inner Strength Development

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Year 4

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Yoga

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45 min

Big Question

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

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arranged in large circle for animal flow practice

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares if mats unavailable

Cards

5 sets for class reference

Available around room perimeter for inspiration

Alternative: Animal picture cards or poses displayed on board

Angle Guides

1 audio device

Ready for mindfulness section

Alternative: Teacher-led counting or gentle music

Beats Audio

1 audio device

To create appropriate atmosphere

Alternative: Quiet instrumental music or silence

Key Vocabulary

Flow

Moving smoothly from one pose to another without stopping

Namaste

A greeting that means 'the light in me honours the light in you'

Pranayama

Breath control techniques used in yoga practice

Alignment

Proper positioning of body parts in yoga poses

Mindfulness

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

Smooth transitions without losing balance

Coordinated breath with movement

Creative pose combinations

Clear teaching to others

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