Lesson 3 - Strength & Control in Poses
Inner Strength Development
•Year 4
•Yoga
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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
Arrange in circle formation with space for movement
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares if mats unavailable
Pre-select 'Breathe' track or similar calming music
Alternative: Smartphone with speaker, nature sounds app
Have cards readily accessible for distribution
Alternative: Printed pose pictures or demonstration tablet
Display where all students can see clearly
Alternative: Written sequence on whiteboard
Key Vocabulary
A respectful greeting meaning 'the light in me honours the light in you'
Moving smoothly from one yoga pose to another with controlled breathing
Correct positioning of body parts in a yoga pose for safety and effectiveness
Conscious control and awareness of breathing patterns
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
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