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Lesson 1 - Breathing and Basic Poses

Breath & Movement Connection

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Year 5

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Yoga

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45 min

Big Question

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

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arrange in rows with arm's length spacing between mats

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares for cushioning

Background Music

1 playlist

Volume low enough for clear instruction hearing

Alternative: Natural sounds or complete silence

Cards

10 large cards

Display where all students can see clearly

Alternative: Teacher demonstration only

Key Vocabulary

Relaxation pose

Lying flat on back with arms and legs slightly apart, completely relaxed

Rest position

A comfortable position to pause and reset during yoga practice

Three slow breaths

Taking three deep, controlled inhalations and exhalations while holding a pose

Mountain pose

Standing tall with feet hip-width apart, spine straight, arms at sides

Child's pose

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

Maintains poses without wobbling

Breathing remains steady during holds

Shows visible relaxation in rest position

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