Lesson 3 - Mindful Preparation and Flow
Breath & Movement Connection
•Year 5
•Yoga
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How can we prepare our minds and bodies to get the most benefit from yoga practice?
Learning Objectives
- To prepare the body effectively for yoga practice through mindful warm-up
- To understand how mental preparation enhances the benefits of yoga
- To demonstrate a sequence of yoga poses with control and awareness
Key Outcomes
- Students will perform a complete yoga warm-up sequence with breath awareness
- Students will execute 10 different yoga poses with correct alignment and breathing
- Students will explain the mental and physical benefits of regular yoga practice
Equipment & Resources Required
Spaced 2 metres apart in rows
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares
Volume low enough for instructions to be heard
Alternative: Nature sounds or silence
Clear view for all students
Alternative: Raised platform if available
Key Vocabulary
The correct positioning of body parts in each yoga pose
Paying careful attention to the present moment and how you feel
Moving smoothly from one yoga pose to another with breath
Gently tightening the muscles around your middle for stability
Noticing and controlling how you breathe during practice
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of body parts and movement
- Experience with simple breathing exercises
- Ability to follow movement instructions
Current Skills
- Mindful breathing techniques
- Fundamental yoga poses and alignment
- Understanding of mind-body connection
Next Steps
- Complex yoga sequences and transitions
- Teaching poses to others
- Independent relaxation techniques
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Never force any yoga pose - listen to your body
- Breathing is the most important part of yoga practice
- Every body is different - poses will look different on everyone
- Yoga is not about being flexible - it's about being aware
- The goal is to feel calm and strong, not to achieve perfect poses
- Relaxation and stillness are skills that require practice
- Yoga can help us manage difficult emotions and stress
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking yoga is only for flexible people - emphasise it's for everyone
- Believing you must achieve the 'perfect' pose - focus on personal progress
- Assuming yoga is easy because it's slow - highlight the strength and control required
- Thinking relaxation means falling asleep - explain active rest and awareness
- Believing yoga is only physical - emphasise mental and emotional benefits
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Regular movement breaks, clear pose boundaries, fidget tools available during relaxation
autism spectrum
- Predictable routine, visual schedule of poses, quiet corner available for overstimulation
visual impairment
- Clear verbal descriptions of all poses, physical guidance for alignment, consistent mat positioning
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all poses, hand signals for breathing cues, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Chair-based variations of poses, modified positions, use of props and supports as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Learning new vocabulary, describing feelings and sensations, following complex instructions
Science
Understanding the respiratory system, effects of exercise on heart rate, muscle groups and movement
PSHE
Mental health and wellbeing, managing emotions, building confidence and self-awareness
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around room during practice, demonstrate from central area where all can see
Observation Focus
Watch for correct alignment, breath awareness, and students' comfort levels
Intervention Points
Assist with pose alignment, remind about breathing, support anxious students during relaxation
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate poses with perfect alignment, move slowly and deliberately, emphasise breath connection
Verbal Cues
- •'Listen to your body'
- •'Breathe deeply'
- •'Only go as far as feels good'
- •'Strong legs, soft shoulders'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 2m x 1m per student for mat space, clear central demonstration area
Surface Check
Non-slip mats on stable floor, remove any obstacles
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check mats are clean and non-slip
- •Ensure adequate spacing between students
- •Remove any jewelry that might catch
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Overstretching in poses
- •Loss of balance in standing poses
- •Neck strain in inverted positions
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise listening to body signals
- •Provide wall support for balance poses
- •Avoid deep backbends and inversions
- •Constant reminder to never force any position
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Monitor alignment in warrior and triangle poses
- •Watch for overexertion during sun salutations
- •Ensure relaxation time feels safe for all students
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if anyone reports pain, provide first aid for minor strains, know location of first aid kit