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Lesson 2 - Mindful Preparation and Flow

Mindfulness & Wellbeing in Yoga

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Year 6

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Yoga

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45 min

Big Question

How can mindful breathing and movement prepare our bodies and minds for deeper yoga practice?

Learning Objectives

To prepare the body and mind for yoga practice through breathing and movement
To demonstrate correct alignment and form in key yoga poses
To understand the wider benefits of regular yoga practice for physical and mental wellbeing

Key Outcomes

Students will perform breathing exercises and gentle movements to prepare for yoga
Students will execute yoga poses with proper alignment and mindful awareness
Students will reflect on the benefits of yoga for physical strength, flexibility and mental calm

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arrange in rows with arms-length spacing between mats

Alternative: Towels or carpet tiles if mats unavailable

Background Music

1 speaker/sound system

Volume low enough for clear instruction delivery

Alternative: Smartphone with portable speaker

Timer

For timing poses and relaxation periods

Alternative: Smartphone timer app

Key Vocabulary

Mindfulness

Paying full attention to the present moment and how your body feels

Alignment

The correct positioning of your body parts in a yoga pose

Pranayama

The practice of controlling your breath in yoga

Asana

A yoga pose or position

Flow

Moving smoothly from one yoga pose to another

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic body awareness and spatial concepts
Understanding of breathing for relaxation
Experience with simple balance activities

Current Skills

Controlled breathing techniques for preparation
Fundamental yoga poses with proper alignment
Mindful movement and body awareness

Next Steps

More complex yoga sequences and transitions
Advanced poses requiring greater strength and flexibility
Leading others in yoga practice

Milestone Indicators

Maintains steady breathing throughout practice

Holds poses for recommended duration with good form

Shows improved flexibility and balance over time

Key Teaching Points

Breath awareness is more important than perfect pose alignment
Every body is different - encourage personal exploration within safe limits
Child's pose is always available as a resting option
Focus on how poses feel rather than how they look
Create a non-competitive, supportive environment
Model mindfulness and self-compassion in your own practice
Use yoga as a tool for emotional regulation and stress management

Common Misconceptions

Flexibility is required to start yoga - emphasise that yoga develops flexibility over time
Yoga is only for girls - highlight strength and athletic benefits for all students
Perfect poses are the goal - focus on effort and mindfulness over appearance
Yoga is too easy or not 'real' exercise - demonstrate physical challenges and benefits
Everyone must do every pose - reinforce individual choice and body listening

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Include more dynamic elements, shorter hold times, allow movement breaks between poses

dyspraxia

Simplify pose instructions, allow extra practice time, provide clear spatial boundaries with markers

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet space options, use visual schedules for pose sequences

visual impairment

Provide detailed verbal descriptions of poses, use tactile guidance with permission, create audio cues for breathing

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations, written pose cards, hand signals for breathing cues

physical disability

Adapt poses for wheelchair or chair use, focus on upper body movements, modify breathing exercises

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Sanskrit vocabulary, descriptive language for sensations and feelings, following complex verbal instructions

Maths

Spatial awareness, symmetry in poses, counting breaths and timing sequences

Science

Understanding body systems, muscle groups, and the physiological effects of breathing techniques on the nervous system

PSHE

Mental health awareness, self-care strategies, building confidence and self-esteem through mindful practice

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around room to observe alignment, return to front for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for proper alignment, breathing patterns, and emotional wellbeing

Intervention Points

Step in for safety concerns, provide individual adjustments with permission

Demonstration Notes

Model every pose clearly, emphasise safety over perfection

Verbal Cues

•'Listen to your body'
•'Breathe deeply and slowly'
•'Rest in child's pose whenever needed'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 2m x 1m per student, clear of obstacles and hard surfaces

Surface Check

Non-slip mats on clean, level floor surface

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check mats for wear and secure placement
•Ensure no jewellery that could catch
•Comfortable, non-restrictive clothing

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Overstretching and muscle strain
•Loss of balance in standing poses
•Dizziness from position changes
•Emotional overwhelm during relaxation

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise listening to body signals
•Provide wall support for balance poses
•Allow frequent rest in child's pose
•Create safe, non-judgmental environment

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all students clearly
•Monitor for signs of discomfort or distress
•Watch breathing patterns

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any pain or dizziness, provide quiet space for recovery