Lesson 2 - Breath and Balance
Inner Strength Development
•Year 4
•Yoga
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can controlling our breath help us find balance and calm in our bodies and minds?
Learning Objectives
- To develop flexibility and strength through yoga poses
- To understand how breathing supports balance and focus
- To create and perform flowing sequences of yoga movements
Key Outcomes
- Students will hold yoga poses with improved balance and control
- Students will coordinate breathing with movement patterns
- Students will work cooperatively to create flowing sequences
Equipment & Resources Required
Arranged in rows with adequate space between for movement
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares for grip and comfort
Volume set low enough for clear instruction delivery
Alternative: Nature sounds or instrumental music app
One set per group of 6 students, laminated for durability
Alternative: Printed pictures or demonstration by teacher
Available for teacher to guide narrative
Alternative: Visual sequence chart or teacher demonstration
Key Vocabulary
A respectful greeting in yoga, meaning 'the light in me honours the light in you'
A flowing sequence of yoga poses traditionally performed to honour the sun
A series of yoga poses linked together with breath and movement
The practice of controlled breathing in yoga
The ability to maintain stability while holding a position
The practice of being fully present and aware in the moment
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic body awareness and spatial understanding
- Simple balance activities from previous PE lessons
- Understanding of following instructions and safety
Current Skills
- Holding static yoga poses with breath control
- Moving between poses in flowing sequences
- Working cooperatively to create group flows
Next Steps
- More complex yoga sequences and transitions
- Advanced breathing techniques
- Independent practice and peer teaching
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always emphasise breathing as the foundation of yoga practice
- Encourage students to work within their comfortable range - no forcing
- Model calm, peaceful demeanour throughout the lesson
- Use positive, inclusive language that celebrates effort over perfection
- Connect physical poses to emotional benefits like calmness and focus
- Maintain the spiritual aspects of yoga while keeping it accessible
- Ensure safety through proper progression and constant supervision
Common Misconceptions
- Yoga is only about flexibility - emphasise strength, balance, and mental benefits
- Poses must look 'perfect' - focus on personal progress and breath awareness
- Yoga is too easy or boring - highlight the challenge of breath control and balance
- Only girls or certain body types can do yoga - show adaptations for all students
- Breathing doesn't matter - demonstrate how breath improves performance and calm
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, movement breaks, clear physical boundaries, fidget alternatives during seated reflection time
dyspraxia
- Simplified pose sequences, extra practice time, visual aids for body positioning, peer buddy support for coordination
autism spectrum
- Predictable routine structure, clear visual schedules, quiet corners available, sensory break options, advance warning of transitions
visual impairment
- Detailed verbal descriptions of poses, tactile guidance for positioning, partner support for balance poses, audio cues for breathing
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, written pose cards with pictures, vibration cues for timing, visual breathing patterns
physical disability
- Chair-supported modifications, adapted range of motion, focus on achievable movements, alternative poses for limited mobility
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following complex instructions, learning Sanskrit vocabulary, describing physical sensations and emotional responses
Maths
Counting breath patterns, timing sequences, understanding angles in poses, measuring flexibility improvements over time
Science
Learning about the respiratory system, how breathing affects heart rate, and understanding muscle function during stretching
Geography
Learning about yoga's origins in India, understanding different cultural approaches to health and wellbeing
PSHE
Developing self-awareness, managing emotions through breathing, building empathy and cooperation in group work
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Start at front for demonstrations, then circulate during group work while maintaining overview of whole class
Observation Focus
Monitor breathing patterns, pose alignment, group cooperation, and signs of fatigue or discomfort
Intervention Points
Step in if unsafe pose attempts, breathing difficulties, group conflicts, or emotional distress observed
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate poses yourself, showing modifications and emphasising breathing. Use calm, soothing voice throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Breathe like you're smelling flowers and blowing out candles'
- •'Strong roots, tall tree - ground through your standing leg'
- •'Move like honey - slow and smooth'
- •'Focus your eyes on one still point to help your balance'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor space (hall/gymnasium) minimum 10m x 15m, clean, obstacle-free floor suitable for lying down
Surface Check
Clean, non-slip surface free from debris, comfortable temperature for minimal clothing movement
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Yoga mats checked for tears or slippery surfaces
- •Adequate spacing between mats (minimum 2m each direction)
- •Music at appropriate volume for instruction audibility
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls during balance poses
- •Muscle strain from overstretching
- •Collisions during group movement
- •Dizziness from breathing exercises
Risk Mitigation
- •Wall support available for balance poses
- •Emphasis on working within comfortable range
- •Clear boundaries for group work areas
- •Gradual progression in breathing exercises
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all students during poses
- •Circulate during group work to monitor technique
- •Watch for signs of overexertion or discomfort
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess need for first aid, have alternative activities for students unable to participate