🧘

Lesson 1 - Rest Position & Relaxation

Mindfulness & Wellbeing in Yoga

•

Year 6

•

Yoga

•

45 min

Big Question

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

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arranged in grid formation with arms-length spacing between mats

Alternative: Towels, carpet squares, or marked floor spaces

Background Music

1 sound system

Volume low enough for instruction but creates calming atmosphere

Alternative: Nature sounds app on tablet/phone

Props

As available

Available for students who need additional comfort support

Alternative: Small cushions, eye pillows, light blankets

Key Vocabulary

Rest Position

A relaxed lying position that allows the body to fully release tension

Relaxation Pose

The final pose in yoga practice where the body and mind completely relax

Mountain Pose

A standing pose that builds strength, improves posture and develops focus

Tree Pose

A balance pose that strengthens legs and improves concentration

Controlled Breathing

Slow, deliberate breathing that helps calm the mind and body

Mindfulness

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

Can hold poses steadily for 3 breaths

Breathing remains calm and controlled throughout

Shows improved focus and self-regulation

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