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Lesson 4 - Relaxation and Meditation Sequences

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

Learning Objectives

To perform a complete relaxation sequence with meditation techniques
To understand the physical and mental benefits of different yoga poses
To develop sustained focus and breathing control through mindful practice

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate a variety of yoga poses with correct form and breathing
Students will explain how specific poses benefit their physical and mental health
Students will lead others through a simple meditation or relaxation sequence

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Spread evenly across space with arms-length between mats

Alternative: Towels, carpet squares, or marked floor spaces

Background Music

1 audio system

Volume low enough for teacher instructions to be heard clearly

Alternative: Nature sounds or complete silence

Cushions

1 (optional)

Available for students who need extra support during poses

Alternative: Folded towels or jumpers

Key Vocabulary

Meditation

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

Alignment

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

Mindfulness

The practice of being fully present and aware of what you're doing and feeling in the moment

Asana

The physical poses or postures in yoga practice

Pranayama

The practice of breath control in yoga

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic body awareness and spatial understanding
Simple stretching and breathing techniques
Understanding of warm-up importance for exercise

Current Skills

Advanced yoga pose sequences with proper alignment
Meditation and relaxation techniques
Understanding mind-body connection in physical activity

Next Steps

Creating personal yoga routines for stress management
Teaching yoga sequences to others
Applying mindfulness principles to other physical activities

Milestone Indicators

Demonstrates correct pose alignment without reminders

Maintains focus during meditation sequences

Shows understanding of yoga benefits beyond physical fitness

Key Teaching Points

Yoga is individual practice - never compare to others
Breath awareness is more important than perfect poses
Stop immediately if anything feels uncomfortable
Focus and mindfulness are skills that improve with practice
Relaxation and meditation have real benefits for wellbeing
Props and modifications are signs of wisdom, not weakness
Create calm, respectful atmosphere for everyone's practice

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'I have to be flexible to do yoga' - Correction: 'Yoga helps you become more flexible over time'
Misconception: 'Perfect poses are the goal' - Correction: 'Listening to your body and breathing well are most important'
Misconception: 'Meditation means clearing your mind completely' - Correction: 'Meditation is noticing your thoughts and returning focus to your breath'
Misconception: 'Yoga is too easy/not real exercise' - Correction: 'Yoga builds strength, flexibility and mental resilience'
Misconception: 'I should be able to do the same on both sides' - Correction: 'It's normal for sides to feel different - that's information, not failure'

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Movement breaks between poses, shorter holds initially, clear visual and verbal cues

dyspraxia

Extra time for pose transitions, wall support for balance, simplified sequences initially

autism spectrum

Predictable routine, clear boundaries for personal space, option to use fidget tools during relaxation

visual impairment

Clear verbal descriptions of all poses, tactile guidance for alignment, partner support for balance poses

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations essential, written pose cards available, use of vibrations for relaxation cues

physical disability

Chair-adapted versions of all poses, focus on breath work, modified relaxation positions

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Learning Sanskrit pose names, following complex instructions, meditation vocabulary

Maths

Counting breaths, timing holds, understanding symmetry in poses

Science

Understanding body systems - respiratory, muscular, skeletal systems during yoga practice

PSHE

Mental health awareness, stress management techniques, self-care strategies

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the space for different viewing angles, stand where all students can see demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for proper alignment, signs of forcing poses, breathing patterns, and individual comfort levels

Intervention Points

Step in if students forcing poses, losing balance repeatedly, or disturbing others' practice

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate poses clearly from multiple angles, show modifications, emphasise that yoga is individual practice

Verbal Cues

•'Listen to your body'
•'Breathe deeply and slowly'
•'It's about your practice, not perfection'
•'Stop if anything doesn't feel right'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large, clear indoor space with non-slip surfaces, minimum 2m x 1.5m per student

Surface Check

Clean, even floor free from obstacles, mats or towels for cushioning

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check yoga mats are clean and non-slip
•Ensure audio system volume allows instruction to be heard
•Optional props (cushions, blocks) inspected for safety

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Overstretching in poses
•Loss of balance in standing poses
•Wrist discomfort in weight-bearing poses
•Neck strain in inverted poses

Risk Mitigation

•Constant reminders to 'stop if anything feels uncomfortable'
•Wall support available for all balance poses
•Progressive approach to all poses
•Clear instruction about never forcing poses
•Teacher demonstration of modifications

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all students during poses
•Move around during balance poses to spot if needed
•Watch for signs of overexertion or forcing
•Ensure quiet, focused atmosphere during relaxation

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any injury, trained first aider available, clear emergency contact procedures