Lesson 1 - Rest Position & Relaxation
Mindfulness & Wellbeing in Yoga
•Year 6
•Yoga
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How can mindful breathing and yoga poses help us manage stress and find inner calm?
Learning Objectives
- To adopt the rest position and relaxation pose with correct technique
- To hold yoga poses for 3 slow breaths whilst maintaining focus
- To understand the benefits of relaxation and mindfulness for wellbeing
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct rest position and relaxation pose
- Students will maintain yoga poses for sustained periods with controlled breathing
- Students will explain how yoga helps them feel calm and focused
Equipment & Resources Required
Arranged in grid formation with arms-length spacing between mats
Alternative: Towels, carpet squares, or marked floor spaces
Volume low enough for instruction but creates calming atmosphere
Alternative: Nature sounds app on tablet/phone
Available for students who need additional comfort support
Alternative: Small cushions, eye pillows, light blankets
Key Vocabulary
A relaxed lying position that allows the body to fully release tension
The final pose in yoga practice where the body and mind completely relax
A standing pose that builds strength, improves posture and develops focus
A balance pose that strengthens legs and improves concentration
Slow, deliberate breathing that helps calm the mind and body
Being fully present and aware of your body, breathing and feelings in the moment
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic body awareness and coordination
- Following simple movement instructions
- Understanding of slow, controlled movements
Current Skills
- Adopting and holding static yoga poses
- Coordinating movement with breathing
- Developing mindfulness and focus
Next Steps
- Linking poses into flowing sequences
- Advanced balance and strength poses
- Independent relaxation practice
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Safety first - poses should never cause pain or discomfort
- Breath awareness is more important than perfect pose alignment
- Every body is different - modifications and variations are encouraged
- Create a calm, non-competitive atmosphere throughout
- Model mindfulness and presence in your own teaching
- Use imagery and analogies to help students understand poses
- Encourage self-regulation and listening to their own bodies
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking yoga poses must look exactly like pictures - correct by emphasising personal comfort and ability
- Believing flexibility is required to start yoga - explain that yoga helps develop flexibility gradually
- Assuming yoga is only for relaxation - highlight strength and balance benefits too
- Thinking breathing doesn't matter - constantly reinforce breath awareness
- Believing advanced poses are better - celebrate simple poses done with awareness
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Regular movement breaks within poses, clear visual cues, option to fidget with stress ball during relaxation
dyspraxia
- Simplified pose instructions, wall support for all balance poses, extra time to set up positions, celebration of effort over perfection
autism spectrum
- Predictable routine structure, quiet corner available, choice in participation level, advance warning of pose changes
visual impairment
- Clear verbal descriptions of each pose, physical guidance with permission, use of textured mats for positioning
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all poses, hand signals for breathing cues, written cards with pose names and instructions
physical disability
- Chair-based versions of poses available, modifications for limited mobility, focus on breath and mindfulness over physical poses
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development with Sanskrit pose names, descriptive language for feelings and sensations, following complex instructions
Maths
Counting breath cycles, timing holds, geometric shapes in poses, symmetry and balance
Science
Human body systems, breathing and circulation, how exercise affects the body, muscle and joint function
PSHE
Self-awareness, managing emotions, mental health and wellbeing, mindfulness practices
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around room to observe all students, position near students who need extra support
Observation Focus
Watch for proper alignment, controlled breathing, signs of strain or discomfort
Intervention Points
Step in if students showing signs of strain, forcing poses, or breathing incorrectly
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate every pose clearly before students attempt, show modifications for different abilities, model calm breathing throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Breathe slowly and deeply'
- •'Only go as far as feels comfortable'
- •'If anything hurts, just stop and rest'
- •'Strong foundation, soft breath'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 6m x 8m clear space, yoga mats or marked floor spaces
Surface Check
Non-slip mats essential, clear of obstacles, adequate cushioning for floor poses
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check mats are stable and not sliding
- •Ensure props are clean and in good condition
- •Remove any tripping hazards from movement areas
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Overstretching or forcing poses
- •Falls during balance poses
- •Wrist strain in weight-bearing poses
- •Neck strain in poses involving head movement
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise comfort over perfect alignment
- •Wall support available for balance poses
- •Clear instruction on safe foot placement
- •Constant reminder that poses should not cause pain
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all students during poses
- •Monitor breathing and facial expressions for strain
- •Watch particularly closely during balance and inverted poses
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if any student reports pain or discomfort, first aid available, clear evacuation route maintained