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Lesson 3 - Mindful Preparation and Flow

Breath & Movement Connection

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Year 5

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Yoga

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45 min

Big Question

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

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Spaced 2 metres apart in rows

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares

Background Music

1 playlist

Volume low enough for instructions to be heard

Alternative: Nature sounds or silence

PE Equipment

1 central area

Clear view for all students

Alternative: Raised platform if available

Key Vocabulary

Alignment

The correct positioning of body parts in each yoga pose

Mindfulness

Paying careful attention to the present moment and how you feel

Flow

Moving smoothly from one yoga pose to another with breath

Core engagement

Gently tightening the muscles around your middle for stability

Breath awareness

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

Maintains poses for 3 full breaths

Shows awareness of body alignment

Demonstrates understanding of yoga benefits

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