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Lesson 4 - Relaxation and Meditation Sequences

Breath & Movement Connection

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Year 5

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Yoga

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45 min

Big Question

How can yoga poses and meditation help us manage stress and improve our physical and mental wellbeing?

Learning Objectives

To perform a relaxation sequence with meditation techniques
To understand the physical and mental benefits of different yoga poses
To develop concentration, balance and body awareness through mindful movement

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate a complete relaxation sequence with guided meditation
Students will explain the benefits of at least 5 different yoga poses
Students will show improved focus and self-regulation skills

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arranged in rows with adequate space between each mat

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares

Cushions

15 (optional)

Available for students who need extra support during poses

Alternative: Folded towels or pillows

Background Music

Set to low, calming instrumental music for relaxation

Alternative: Phone with speaker

Timer

To time poses and relaxation sequences

Alternative: Phone timer app

Key Vocabulary

Mountain Pose

A foundational standing pose with feet hip-width apart, spine straight, and strong core engagement

Downward-Facing Dog

An inverted V-shaped pose that strengthens arms and legs while stretching the whole body

Child's Pose

A resting pose that calms the mind and gently stretches the hips, thighs and ankles

Meditation

A practice of focused attention and mindfulness to achieve mental clarity and calm

Mindfulness

Being fully present and aware of your body, breath and surroundings in the current moment

Alignment

The proper positioning of body parts in yoga poses to ensure safety and effectiveness

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic body awareness and spatial understanding
Following simple movement instructions
Understanding of breathing patterns

Current Skills

Performing yoga poses with proper alignment
Using meditation and relaxation techniques
Understanding mind-body connection

Next Steps

Creating own yoga sequences
Teaching poses to others
Applying mindfulness to daily activities

Milestone Indicators

Can hold poses for 3 deep breaths

Shows improved balance and flexibility

Uses breathing techniques for self-regulation

Key Teaching Points

Always emphasise listening to your body and never forcing poses beyond comfort
Coordinate movement with breath - this is fundamental to yoga practice
Focus on the journey and personal progress, not comparing to others
Use imagery and metaphors to help students understand poses and concepts
Maintain calm, peaceful energy throughout, especially during relaxation
Offer modifications and alternatives so every student can participate successfully
Connect physical poses to mental and emotional benefits throughout the lesson

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'I need to be flexible to do yoga' - Truth: Yoga helps you become more flexible over time
Misconception: 'I must touch the floor in forward folds' - Truth: Only go as far as comfortable, use props if needed
Misconception: 'Yoga is too easy/not exercise' - Truth: Yoga builds strength, flexibility and mental focus
Misconception: 'I'm doing it wrong if I can't balance' - Truth: Wobbling is normal and part of learning balance
Misconception: 'Meditation means I can't think' - Truth: It's about noticing thoughts without judgement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter pose holds initially, movement breaks between static poses, clear structure and expectations

dyspraxia

Extra time for pose setup, simplified instructions, physical guidance for positioning, patience with coordination

autism spectrum

Predictable routine, visual schedule of poses, quiet relaxation space option, sensory considerations

visual impairment

Clear verbal descriptions of poses, tactile guidance for positioning, buddy support system

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, written pose instructions, hand signals for breathing cues

physical disability

Chair-based modifications for all poses, use of props and supports, adapted ranges of motion

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following complex instructions, learning new vocabulary, expressing feelings about experiences

Maths

Counting breaths, timing poses, understanding symmetry in body positioning

Science

Understanding how muscles work, the effects of exercise on heart rate and breathing, body systems

PSHE

Emotional regulation, stress management, self-awareness, mindfulness and mental wellbeing

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of space during poses, position centrally during meditation

Observation Focus

Watch for proper alignment, signs of strain, engagement in mindfulness activities

Intervention Points

Step in if students forcing poses, showing signs of frustration, or disrupting others' relaxation

Demonstration Notes

Model all poses clearly, emphasise breath coordination, show modifications for different abilities

Verbal Cues

•'Only go as far as feels comfortable'
•'Breathe deeply and slowly'
•'If you wobble, just find your centre again'
•'Listen to your body'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m clear space with non-slip surfaces for yoga mats

Surface Check

Clean, dry, level floor suitable for barefoot practice and lying down positions

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Yoga mats checked for tears or slippery surfaces
•Adequate spacing between mats to prevent collisions
•Props and bolsters inspected for stability and cleanliness

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Muscle strain from forcing poses beyond comfortable range
•Balance challenges leading to falls in standing poses
•Neck strain from incorrect alignment in poses like cobra

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise never forcing poses - stop if uncomfortable
•Provide wall support options for all balance poses
•Clear instruction on safe alignment, especially for spine and neck
•Individual modifications offered for all poses

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all students during pose instruction
•Move quietly during relaxation to monitor without disturbing
•Watch for signs of strain, discomfort or distress

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students remain calm and seated