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Lesson 2 - Mindful Breathing and Core Poses

Breath & Movement Connection

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Year 5

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Yoga

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1h 7min

Big Question

How can combining mindful breathing with yoga poses help us develop both physical strength and mental focus?

Learning Objectives

To prepare the body safely for yoga practice through mindful breathing and movement
To demonstrate core yoga poses with correct alignment and breathing
To understand the wider benefits of regular yoga practice for physical and mental wellbeing

Key Outcomes

Students will perform a complete yoga sequence with proper breathing techniques
Students will demonstrate improved balance, flexibility and core strength
Students will explain the benefits of yoga for stress relief and concentration

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

15 (for modifications)

Arranged in rows with space for arm movements around each mat

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares

Background Music

1 speaker system

Volume low enough to hear instructions clearly

Alternative: Natural sounds or silence

Key Vocabulary

Mountain Pose

A foundational standing pose that improves posture and strengthens the core

Tree Pose

A balancing pose that strengthens legs and improves concentration

Sun Salutation

A flowing sequence of poses that stretches the entire body

Child's Pose

A resting pose that helps calm the mind and stretch the hips and back

Mindful Breathing

Conscious, deep breathing that helps focus the mind and relax the body

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic body awareness and spatial understanding
Experience with simple stretching exercises
Understanding of breathing as a calming technique

Current Skills

Mindful breathing techniques for relaxation
Core yoga poses with proper alignment
Balance and coordination through pose sequences

Next Steps

Advanced pose variations and transitions
Independent practice of yoga sequences
Teaching simple poses to younger students

Milestone Indicators

Consistent use of breath awareness during poses

Ability to self-regulate and modify poses as needed

Demonstration of improved flexibility and balance over time

Key Teaching Points

Always emphasise listening to individual body needs over achieving perfect poses
Connect breath with movement throughout the practice
Create inclusive environment where all abilities are valued and supported
Model calm, mindful energy and speak in slower, gentler pace
Provide modifications and alternatives for every pose offered
Use yoga as opportunity to build self-awareness and emotional regulation
Emphasise process and personal growth rather than performance or comparison

Common Misconceptions

Yoga is only for flexible people - correct by showing that yoga develops flexibility gradually
Poses must look perfect - emphasise individual variation and comfort over appearance
Breathing doesn't matter - demonstrate how breath awareness enhances every aspect of practice
Yoga is too easy or not real exercise - explain strength, balance and mental benefits
Meditation is boring - introduce as adventure for the mind and opportunity for inner exploration

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Include movement breaks between poses, provide clear structure and expectations, allow fidget tools during meditation if helpful

dyspraxia

Break poses into smaller steps, provide extra practice time, use wall support for balance poses, emphasise effort over perfection

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of lesson, allow alternative to partner work, offer quiet space if needed, maintain predictable routine

visual impairment

Use clear verbal descriptions of all poses, allow students to feel pose alignment through touch, provide consistent spatial references

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations, written pose cards, ensure student can see teacher clearly, use hand signals for breathing

physical disability

Offer chair-based versions of poses, modify poses for individual abilities, use props for support as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting breaths and pose holds, understanding symmetry in poses, exploring geometry through body shapes

Science

Understanding respiratory system and effects of deep breathing, exploring how muscles work and stretch

Geography

Learning about yoga's origins in India, understanding different cultural practices around the world

PSHE

Building self-awareness, managing emotions through breath and movement, developing empathy through partner work

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around space to observe all students, demonstrate from front where all can see

Observation Focus

Watch for safe alignment, appropriate effort, and mindful breathing

Intervention Points

Step in if students forcing poses, showing signs of dizziness, or becoming competitive

Demonstration Notes

Model calm, mindful energy throughout, show modifications alongside main poses, emphasise process over perfect form

Verbal Cues

•'Listen to your body'
•'Breathe deeply and slowly'
•'Only go as far as feels good'
•'There's no perfect pose, only your pose'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large, clear indoor space minimum 8m x 10m with non-slip surface

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from objects or obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check yoga mats are clean and in good condition
•Ensure adequate spacing between mats for arm movements
•Verify any blocks or props are stable and appropriate size

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Overstretching or forcing poses beyond individual limits
•Loss of balance in standing poses
•Wrist discomfort in weight-bearing poses
•Dizziness from inversions or quick position changes

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise listening to body and stopping if uncomfortable
•Provide modifications for all poses
•Ensure adequate warm-up before challenging poses
•Teach safe transitions between positions

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all students during practice
•Monitor for safe alignment and effort levels
•Watch for students pushing beyond comfortable limits

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess need for first aid, contact office if medical attention required