Lesson 1 - Intro to Yoga & Sun Salutation
Inner Strength Development
•Year 4
•Yoga
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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
Arrange in circle formation for introduction, then spread out for practice
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares
Place at front of room to represent the sun
Alternative: Yellow markers or pictures of sun
'Breathe' audio track or similar mindful music
Alternative: Quiet voice guidance only
Prepare story linking poses to desert journey
Alternative: Create simple desert-themed narrative
Key Vocabulary
Exercise for the mind, body and breath that makes us feel good
A respectful greeting meaning 'the light in me honours the light in you'
A flowing sequence of yoga poses that honours the sun
Standing tall and strong like a mountain with feet grounded
Paying attention to the present moment and what our body is feeling
Mentally checking each part of the body to notice how it feels
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
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