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Lesson 3 - Body Prep & Mindfulness

Mindfulness & Wellbeing in Yoga

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Year 6

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Yoga

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1h 5min

Big Question

How can we prepare our minds and bodies to achieve deeper focus and mindfulness through yoga practice?

Learning Objectives

To prepare the body effectively for yoga through warming movements and breathing
To develop understanding of how mental preparation enhances physical practice
To recognise the wider benefits of regular yoga on wellbeing and daily life

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective body preparation techniques for yoga
Students will apply breathing techniques to achieve mental focus
Students will reflect on personal progress and support others' development

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arrange mats in rows with arm's length spacing all around

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares if mats unavailable

Background Music

1 playlist

Volume should be barely audible, not distracting

Alternative: Natural sounds or complete silence if preferred

Timer

Position where teacher can see easily for timing poses

Alternative: Clock with second hand visible to all

Key Vocabulary

Body Preparation

Systematic warming and awakening of muscles and joints before main practice

Mindful Breathing

Conscious, purposeful breathing to enhance focus and calm the mind

Alignment

Correct positioning of body parts in poses for safety and effectiveness

Sun Salutation

A flowing sequence of poses that energises the whole body

Meditation

Focused attention practice to develop awareness and calm

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic yoga poses and breathing awareness from previous lessons
Understanding of body awareness and simple mindfulness concepts
Experience with relaxation and focus techniques

Current Skills

Systematic body preparation through targeted movements
Connecting breath awareness to mental state preparation
Recognising and articulating benefits of regular practice

Next Steps

Advanced flowing sequences linking breath and movement
Independent practice planning and self-reflection
Teaching others and peer support in yoga practice

Milestone Indicators

Demonstrates smooth transitions between preparation exercises

Uses breathing consciously to enhance pose quality and focus

Can articulate specific benefits they experience from yoga

Key Teaching Points

Breathing awareness is more important than perfect pose alignment
Every body is different - encourage individual comfort over uniformity
Yoga is not competitive - focus on personal progress and feeling
Mindfulness skills from yoga can be used in daily life situations
Regular practice brings benefits more than occasional perfect sessions
The ability to rest and reset is as valuable as active poses
Peer support and encouragement enhance everyone's practice

Common Misconceptions

Myth: 'I'm not flexible enough for yoga' - Truth: Yoga develops flexibility gradually and safely
Myth: 'Poses must look exactly like the teacher's' - Truth: Each body finds its own expression of poses
Myth: 'Meditation means having no thoughts' - Truth: Noticing thoughts and returning to breath is the practice
Myth: 'Yoga is just stretching' - Truth: Yoga includes strength, balance, breathing and mindfulness
Myth: 'I should be able to do this easily' - Truth: Challenge and effort are part of growth

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Movement breaks between static poses, fidget tools during meditation, clear start/stop signals

dyspraxia

Extra demonstration time, simplified sequences, partner support for coordination

autism spectrum

Predictable routine structure, visual schedule of poses, quiet space available for overwhelm

visual impairment

Clear verbal descriptions of pose alignment, tactile guidance from teacher, partner support for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Visual demonstration of all poses, written instruction cards available, use of visual timers

physical disability

Chair-based modifications for all poses, resistance band alternatives, adapted breathing exercises

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Sanskrit pose names, descriptive vocabulary for sensations and feelings

Maths

Counting breaths, timing poses, symmetry in body alignment

Science

Body systems during exercise, breathing and circulation, muscle function

PSHE

Managing emotions, self-awareness, resilience and coping strategies

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around room to check alignment, speak from different locations

Observation Focus

Watch breathing quality, pose stability, and mindful attention

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe alignment or when students appear frustrated

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate poses clearly from side view, show modifications for different abilities

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe with your movement'
•'It's normal to wobble in balance poses'
•'Find your comfortable edge'
•'Notice what you're feeling right now'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Indoor space 8m x 8m minimum, mats spaced arm's length apart

Surface Check

Clean, level floor surface with adequate grip for mats

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Mats checked for wear and proper grip
•No jewellery or loose clothing that could catch
•Hair tied back to avoid obstruction

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Overstretching in forward folds and hip openers
•Loss of balance in standing poses
•Dizziness when moving between floor and standing

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasis on comfort over depth in all poses
•Wall support available for balance poses
•Slow transitions between lying and standing positions

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Monitor knee alignment in Warrior poses
•Check for excessive back arching in Bridge pose
•Ensure relaxation period is not disrupted

Emergency Procedures

Know location of first aid kit, establish quiet signal for immediate attention