Lesson 2 - Mindful Preparation and Flow
Mindfulness & Wellbeing in Yoga
•Year 6
•Yoga
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Arrange in rows with arms-length spacing between mats
Alternative: Towels or carpet tiles if mats unavailable
Volume low enough for clear instruction delivery
Alternative: Smartphone with portable speaker
For timing poses and relaxation periods
Alternative: Smartphone timer app
Key Vocabulary
Paying full attention to the present moment and how your body feels
The correct positioning of your body parts in a yoga pose
The practice of controlling your breath in yoga
A yoga pose or position
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
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