Lesson 3 - Body Prep & Mindfulness
Mindfulness & Wellbeing in Yoga
•Year 6
•Yoga
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Arrange mats in rows with arm's length spacing all around
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares if mats unavailable
Volume should be barely audible, not distracting
Alternative: Natural sounds or complete silence if preferred
Position where teacher can see easily for timing poses
Alternative: Clock with second hand visible to all
Key Vocabulary
Systematic warming and awakening of muscles and joints before main practice
Conscious, purposeful breathing to enhance focus and calm the mind
Correct positioning of body parts in poses for safety and effectiveness
A flowing sequence of poses that energises the whole body
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
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