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Lesson 3 - Strength & Control in Poses

Inner Strength Development

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Year 4

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Yoga

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53 min

Big Question

How can we build inner strength and physical control through mindful movement?

Learning Objectives

To develop strength and control when holding yoga poses
To move with control and fluidity between different poses
To understand the connection between breath and movement in yoga practice

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved strength and balance in static yoga poses
Students will show controlled transitions between poses with proper breathing
Students will engage in mindful breathing exercises showing increased focus and calm

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arrange in circle formation with space for movement

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares if mats unavailable

Background Music

1 audio system

Pre-select 'Breathe' track or similar calming music

Alternative: Smartphone with speaker, nature sounds app

Cards

Sets 1-5 (30 cards total)

Have cards readily accessible for distribution

Alternative: Printed pose pictures or demonstration tablet

I Am Flow Sequence

1 reference document

Display where all students can see clearly

Alternative: Written sequence on whiteboard

Key Vocabulary

Namaste

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

Flow

Moving smoothly from one yoga pose to another with controlled breathing

Alignment

Correct positioning of body parts in a yoga pose for safety and effectiveness

Breathwork

Conscious control and awareness of breathing patterns

Mindfulness

Focused awareness on the present moment and internal sensations

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic yoga poses from previous lessons
Understanding of breath awareness
Simple balance and flexibility exercises

Current Skills

Holding poses with increased strength
Controlled movement between poses
Coordinated breathing with movement

Next Steps

Creating personal yoga sequences
Advanced balancing poses
Leading mindfulness sessions

Milestone Indicators

Can hold warrior 2 for 5 breaths with proper alignment

Demonstrates smooth flow between 3+ poses

Shows visible improvement in balance and control

Key Teaching Points

Always emphasise breathing coordination with movement
Encourage personal limits and discourage competition
Model respect for yoga traditions and cultural significance
Focus on effort and improvement rather than perfect poses
Create inclusive environment where all bodies are celebrated
Use positive, encouraging language throughout
Maintain calm, peaceful energy to support mindfulness

Common Misconceptions

Yoga is only about flexibility - correct by emphasising strength and mindfulness
Poses must look perfect - correct by celebrating individual variations
Breathing is not important - correct by constantly connecting breath to movement
Balance poses should be easy - correct by normalising wobbling and practice
Yoga is too slow or boring - correct by highlighting inner strength and focus

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Include movement breaks between poses, provide fidget tools during sitting activities, use clear visual boundaries

dyspraxia

Break down complex movements into smaller steps, provide extra time for transitions, offer physical support when needed

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of lesson structure, offer quiet space for breaks, use consistent routine and language

visual impairment

Provide verbal descriptions of all poses, use tactile guidance for positioning, ensure audio cues are clear

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, provide written pose sequences, use hand signals for breathing

physical disability

Offer chair-based modifications for all poses, adapt poses for limited mobility, focus on achievable goals

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Learning new vocabulary, expressing feelings and experiences, listening and following instructions

Science

Understanding muscles and joints, breathing and circulation, body systems during exercise

PSHE

Mindfulness and emotional wellbeing, self-awareness and self-care, respect for cultural traditions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around circle to provide individual support, kneel to student level during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for proper alignment, coordinated breathing, and respectful participation

Intervention Points

Step in to correct unsafe poses, support struggling students, manage disruptive behaviour quietly

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: All poses clearly with proper alignment, show modifications for different abilities, maintain calm energy throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe slowly and deeply'
•'It's okay to wobble, that's your body learning'
•'Only go as far as feels comfortable for your body'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 8m x 8m clear space, soft flooring preferred, adequate ventilation

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, yoga mats properly positioned, no obstacles or hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check yoga mats for tears or slipping
•Ensure audio equipment volume at appropriate level
•Verify pose cards are not damaged or sharp

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during balance poses
•Overstretching in forward folds
•Muscle strain from forcing poses

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise that wobbling is normal in balance poses
•Teach proper modification for all poses
•Encourage listening to body and avoiding pain
•Maintain adequate spacing between students

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all students during balance poses
•Monitor breathing during mindfulness activities
•Watch for signs of dizziness or discomfort

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess need for first aid, have clear path to exit