Lesson 5 - Positive Affirmations and Mirroring
Breath & Movement Connection
•Year 5
•Yoga
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How can positive self-talk and mindful movement help us build confidence and connect with others?
Learning Objectives
- I can create and use positive affirmations during yoga poses
- I can demonstrate mirroring techniques with a partner to build trust and connection
- I can reflect on my own progress and recognise success in myself and others
Key Outcomes
- Students will combine yoga poses with positive affirmations to boost self-confidence
- Students will work cooperatively in pairs using mirroring techniques
- Students will demonstrate improved self-awareness and ability to celebrate others' achievements
Equipment & Resources Required
Arranged in grid formation with 2m spacing for individual work and partner activities
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares
Soft instrumental music at low volume for relaxation portions
Alternative: Nature sounds or silence
Small feathers, flowers, or nature items for concentration exercise
Alternative: Leaves, stones, or printed pictures
Key Vocabulary
A positive statement about yourself that helps build confidence and self-belief
Moving exactly as your partner moves, like looking in a mirror
Moving at exactly the same time as someone else
Thinking carefully about your own feelings, actions and progress
Paying full attention to the present moment and how you feel
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Students should know basic yoga poses from previous lessons
- Understanding of breathing techniques and body awareness
- Experience working cooperatively with partners
Current Skills
- Combining movement with positive self-talk
- Developing mirroring and synchronisation skills
- Building self-reflection and recognition abilities
Next Steps
- Advanced partner yoga sequences
- Leading guided meditation sessions
- Creating personal wellness routines
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Affirmations must be personal, positive and spoken with conviction
- Physical safety always comes before achieving 'perfect' poses
- Breathing should remain natural and never be forced or held
- Partner work requires trust, communication and respect for boundaries
- The mind-body connection is strengthened through mindful movement
- Focus and concentration are skills that improve with practice
- Every student's yoga practice will look different and that's perfect
Common Misconceptions
- Yoga poses must look exactly like the teacher's - correct by emphasising individual body differences
- Wobbling or falling out of poses means failure - reframe as part of learning process
- Affirmations are silly or embarrassing - model confidence and explain the science behind positive self-talk
- Stronger students are 'better' at yoga - emphasise that yoga is about personal growth not comparison
- Relaxation time is boring or wasted - explain how rest and focus are essential life skills
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Movement breaks between poses, clear structure with timings, positive reinforcement for focus
dyspraxia
- Simplified pose sequences, extra time for coordination, partnering with supportive students
autism spectrum
- Predictable routine, visual schedule of poses, quiet space available if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Clear verbal descriptions of all poses, tactile guidance for positioning, audio cues for breathing
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all movements, written affirmation cards, sign language if known
physical disability
- Chair-adapted yoga poses, modified balance challenges, focus on achievable movements
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Speaking clearly and confidently, vocabulary development, creative expression through affirmations
Maths
Counting breaths and repetitions, spatial awareness and geometry in pose shapes
Science
Understanding how physical activity affects the body, learning about balance and coordination
PSHE
Self-awareness, managing emotions, building resilience and positive self-image
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position with clear sight lines to all students, move around during partner work to monitor
Observation Focus
Watch for pose alignment, breathing patterns, partner cooperation, and emotional engagement
Intervention Points
Step in if unsafe pose alignment, negative self-talk, or exclusion in partner activities
Demonstration Notes
Model each pose clearly, speak affirmations with genuine conviction, show modifications for different abilities
Verbal Cues
- •'Breathe naturally and listen to your body'
- •'Notice how strong and calm you feel'
- •'Speak kindly to yourself, especially when something feels challenging'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Indoor hall minimum 15m x 15m with non-slip surface, adequate ventilation
Surface Check
Clean, dry floor free from obstacles, yoga mats providing grip and cushioning
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Yoga mats checked for tears or slippery surfaces
- •Focus objects inspected for safety (no sharp edges or small parts)
- •Music equipment tested at appropriate volume levels
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Slips during balance poses
- •Strain from over-stretching
- •Collisions during partner work
- •Discomfort in floor poses for some students
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear spacing guidelines for individual and partner work
- •Emphasis on listening to body and stopping if uncomfortable
- •Progressive difficulty building from basic to advanced poses
- •Wall support available for balance-challenging poses
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all students during balance poses
- •Monitor partner interactions for safety and appropriate contact
- •Watch for signs of over-exertion or discomfort
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide first aid if trained, seek medical attention for any concerning symptoms