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Lesson 1 - Intro to Yoga & Sun Salutation

Inner Strength Development

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Year 4

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Yoga

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45 min

Big Question

How can yoga help us develop strength, flexibility, and mindfulness?

Learning Objectives

To develop an understanding of what yoga is and its benefits for mind, body and breath
To learn and practice the sun salutation sequence with proper alignment
To develop flexibility, balance and breathing awareness through yoga poses

Key Outcomes

Students will understand yoga as exercise for mind, body and breath
Students will be able to perform sun salutation sequence with basic poses
Students will demonstrate improved focus and body awareness through mindfulness activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arrange in circle formation for introduction, then spread out for practice

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares

Cones

Place at front of room to represent the sun

Alternative: Yellow markers or pictures of sun

Calming Music

Sound system

'Breathe' audio track or similar mindful music

Alternative: Quiet voice guidance only

Sun Salutation Story

1 teacher copy

Prepare story linking poses to desert journey

Alternative: Create simple desert-themed narrative

Key Vocabulary

Yoga

Exercise for the mind, body and breath that makes us feel good

Namaste

A respectful greeting meaning 'the light in me honours the light in you'

Sun Salutation

A flowing sequence of yoga poses that honours the sun

Mountain Pose

Standing tall and strong like a mountain with feet grounded

Mindfulness

Paying attention to the present moment and what our body is feeling

Body Scan

Mentally checking each part of the body to notice how it feels

Alignment

Positioning the body correctly in each pose for safety and effectiveness

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic body awareness and spatial orientation
Understanding of different body positions (standing, sitting, lying)
Basic listening and following instruction skills

Current Skills

Introduction to yoga philosophy and practice
Basic yoga poses and breathing techniques
Sun salutation sequence fundamentals
Mindfulness and body scanning awareness

Next Steps

More complex yoga sequences and flows
Partner and group yoga activities
Advanced breathing techniques and meditation
Creating own yoga routines

Milestone Indicators

Can hold mountain pose with proper alignment for 10 seconds

Demonstrates smooth forward fold with bent knees if needed

Shows understanding of breathing connection to movement

Maintains focus during 2-minute mindfulness activity

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise that yoga is exercise for mind, body and breath
Connect movement with breathing throughout all activities
Focus on strength and control rather than flexibility
Create calm, respectful atmosphere for mindfulness practice
Use storytelling and imagery to engage students in pose sequence
Validate all attempts and encourage listening to own body
Model mindful awareness and peaceful energy throughout lesson

Common Misconceptions

Yoga is only about being flexible - correct by emphasising strength and breathing
Poses must be perfect - teach that yoga is about trying your best and listening to your body
Mindfulness means empty mind - explain it's about noticing thoughts and returning to breath
Only quiet students can do yoga - show how movement and breath help everyone focus
You need special equipment - demonstrate yoga can be done anywhere with just your body

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Movement breaks between poses, shorter mindfulness periods, fidget alternatives during stillness

dyspraxia

Extra time for pose transitions, simplified sequences, additional proprioceptive input through weighted props

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, quiet zones available, visual schedule of lesson sequence, predictable calming activities

visual impairment

Clear verbal descriptions of all poses, physical guidance for positioning, tactile cues for breath rhythm

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all movements, written pose sequence cards, visual breathing cues

physical disability

Chair-based modifications for all poses, alternative positions for mindfulness, adapted breathing exercises

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Listening skills, following instructions, descriptive language for body awareness

Maths

Counting breathing rhythms, spatial awareness and positioning, sequencing and patterns

Science

Human body systems, breathing and circulation, effects of exercise on the body

PSHE

Mental health and wellbeing, mindfulness and emotional regulation, respect and tolerance

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around room during pose practice, centre position for demonstrations, quiet observation during mindfulness

Observation Focus

Watch for pose alignment, breathing quality, focus and body awareness, signs of discomfort

Intervention Points

Step in if poses are forced, provide individual guidance for breathing, support students who struggle with stillness

Demonstration Notes

Model all poses with perfect alignment, use calm and peaceful voice tone, show breathing rhythm clearly, demonstrate mindful awareness

Verbal Cues

•'Listen to your body'
•'Breathe slowly and deeply'
•'Strong like a mountain'
•'Smooth like flowing water'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 8m x 8m clear space, one mat per student with 1m spacing

Surface Check

Flat, non-slip surface, mats securely positioned, no obstacles in movement area

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check mats are clean and not worn/slippery
•Ensure cones are positioned safely away from movement area
•Volume of music/audio appropriate for instruction clarity

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Overstretching or forcing poses
•Loss of balance during pose transitions
•Dizziness from breathing exercises
•Collision with others during movement

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise listening to own body and not forcing poses
•Adequate spacing between students for all activities
•Clear instruction to move slowly and with control
•Monitor breathing exercises for signs of dizziness

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all students during pose practice
•Move quietly during mindfulness to monitor comfort
•Watch for proper alignment and breathing technique

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury suspected, assess and provide appropriate first aid or seek additional support