Lesson 1 - Breathing and Basic Poses
Breath & Movement Connection
•Year 5
•Yoga
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How can controlled breathing and body positioning help us feel calm and focused?
Learning Objectives
- To learn and perform the relaxation pose and rest position with proper technique
- To develop breathing control and hold poses for 3 slow breaths consistently
- To understand the connection between breath, movement and mental wellbeing
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct relaxation pose technique
- Students will hold yoga poses for 3 controlled breaths
- Students will explain how breathing affects their body and mind
Equipment & Resources Required
Arrange in rows with arm's length spacing between mats
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares for cushioning
Volume low enough for clear instruction hearing
Alternative: Natural sounds or complete silence
Display where all students can see clearly
Alternative: Teacher demonstration only
Key Vocabulary
Lying flat on back with arms and legs slightly apart, completely relaxed
A comfortable position to pause and reset during yoga practice
Taking three deep, controlled inhalations and exhalations while holding a pose
Standing tall with feet hip-width apart, spine straight, arms at sides
Kneeling with forehead to floor and arms relaxed, a restorative position
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic body awareness and spatial understanding
- Simple breathing exercises from earlier years
- Following multi-step instructions
Current Skills
- Controlled breathing techniques
- Static balance and body positioning
- Mind-body awareness and relaxation
Next Steps
- More complex yoga sequences
- Advanced breathing patterns
- Independent relaxation practice
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Yoga is about personal practice - never compare or compete
- Breathing is the foundation - if you can breathe, you can do yoga
- Never force poses - discomfort is normal, pain is not
- Balance poses are challenging - using support is smart, not weak
- Relaxation is an active skill that requires practice
- Every body is different - modifications make poses accessible to all
- The mind-body connection develops through consistent practice
Common Misconceptions
- Yoga requires flexibility - actually, yoga builds flexibility over time
- Perfect poses are the goal - the journey and breath awareness are more important
- Yoga is just stretching - it builds strength, balance and mental focus too
- You must be able to balance to do tree pose - wall support is perfectly acceptable
- Relaxation means doing nothing - it's an active practice of letting go
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short pose holds, frequent position changes, clear physical boundaries with mats
dyspraxia
- Simplified poses, extra time for positioning, focus on breath rather than perfect form
autism spectrum
- Clear routine and sequence, visual schedule of poses, quiet corner available for breaks
visual impairment
- Clear verbal descriptions of all poses, tactile guidance for positioning, buddy system for support
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstration of all poses, written instruction cards, use of visual cues and gestures
physical disability
- Chair-based modifications for all poses, upper body focus where appropriate, adapted breathing exercises
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following complex instructions, descriptive vocabulary for body positions and feelings
Maths
Counting breaths, timing poses, spatial awareness and geometry in body positions
Science
Understanding breathing and respiratory system, effects of exercise on heart rate, muscle and bone function
PSHE
Emotional regulation, self-awareness, confidence building, managing stress and anxiety
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position for demonstrations, move around during practice for individual guidance
Observation Focus
Watch for proper alignment, comfortable breathing, and signs of strain or forcing
Intervention Points
Step in if students forcing poses, provide support for balance challenges, guide breathing if too rapid
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate full range and modifications, emphasise that yoga is personal practice, model calm and peaceful demeanor throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Only go as far as feels good'
- •'Breathe naturally, don't hold your breath'
- •'Use the wall if you need support'
- •'If anything hurts, please stop and rest'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 2m x 1.5m per student, non-slip surface, adequate ceiling height
Surface Check
Mats clean and positioned safely, no gaps or overlaps
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Mats checked for tears or slippery undersides
- •Adequate spacing between students for full arm extension
- •Wall space available for balance support
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Overstretching or forcing poses
- •Falls during balance poses
- •Dizziness from breathing exercises
- •Wrist strain in weight-bearing poses
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise 'never force, never pain' principle
- •Wall support available for all balance poses
- •Monitor breathing exercises for any dizziness
- •Alternative positions for those with wrist issues
- •Constant reminder to work within comfort zone
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all students
- •Move around during poses to check alignment
- •Watch for signs of strain or discomfort
- •Monitor breathing during relaxation
Emergency Procedures
Stop immediately if student shows pain or dizziness, appropriate first aid for any injuries, ensure gradual awakening from relaxation