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Lesson 6 - Animal Flow Sequences

Mindful Movement & Body Awareness

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Year 1

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Yoga

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45 min

Big Question

How can we move like animals while staying calm and controlled?

Learning Objectives

To show control in an animal flow sequence
To coordinate breathing with movement
To work cooperatively to create and share yoga sequences

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate controlled animal yoga poses with coordinated breathing
Students will create their own 4-5 pose animal flow sequence with a partner
Students will teach and perform their sequence to others with confidence

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

30 (1 per student)

Arrange in circle formation with space between each mat

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares if mats unavailable

Animal Flow Sequence Document

1 for teacher reference

Have readily available for demonstration

Alternative: Create visual cards with animal poses

Track

1 (Track 34)

Test audio system before lesson begins

Alternative: Calm instrumental music or nature sounds

Cards

5 sets

Place around room for student reference during pair work

Alternative: Hand-drawn pose cards or tablet images

Key Vocabulary

Animal Flow

A sequence of yoga poses that copy animal movements and are linked together smoothly

Namaste

A respectful greeting used in yoga, meaning 'the light in me honours the light in you'

Down Dog

An inverted V-shape yoga pose copying how dogs stretch

Fluid Movement

Moving smoothly and slowly between poses without stopping

Mindful Breathing

Paying attention to your breath and feeling it move in your body

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic yoga poses (cat, cow, down dog)
Understanding of breathing techniques
Working safely on yoga mats

Current Skills

Linking poses into flowing sequences
Coordinating breath with movement
Creating original animal-themed flows

Next Steps

More complex yoga sequences
Advanced breathing techniques
Leading whole class sequences

Milestone Indicators

Smooth transitions between poses

Consistent breathing rhythm

Confident teaching of sequences to others

Key Teaching Points

Always demonstrate poses with perfect alignment before students attempt
Emphasise slow, honey-like movement between poses throughout lesson
Coordinate animal sounds with pose demonstrations to aid memory
Monitor breathing patterns and encourage nasal breathing
Create supportive environment where creativity is celebrated over perfection
Use partner work to build cooperation and peer teaching skills
Maintain calm, peaceful atmosphere appropriate for yoga practice

Common Misconceptions

Thinking yoga poses need to be perfect - emphasise personal best effort
Believing flexibility is required - focus on control and awareness over range
Assuming yoga is competitive - reinforce personal practice and support for others
Rushing through poses - consistently model and reward slow, mindful movement
Forgetting breathing - regularly remind about breath awareness throughout

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter pose holds, frequent movement variety, clear boundaries for partner work, calming breathing focus

dyspraxia

Simplified pose sequences, extra time for coordination, visual and physical supports for positioning

autism spectrum

Visual schedule of poses, quiet space option during group activities, predictable routine structure

visual impairment

Clear verbal descriptions of all poses, tactile guidance for positioning, partner support for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Visual demonstration cards, hand signals for breathing rhythm, visual cues for animal sounds

physical disability

Chair-adapted yoga poses, modified positions for limited mobility, focus on accessible breathing exercises

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development with pose names, following and giving instructions, describing movements

Maths

Counting breathing rhythms, sequencing poses in order, understanding spatial positioning

Science

Learning about breathing, how lungs work, animal movements and characteristics

Art

Creative expression through movement, animal characteristics and representation

PSHE

Self-awareness, managing emotions, cooperation, building confidence through teaching others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter during individual work, centre for demonstrations, kneeling level for floor guidance

Observation Focus

Watch for proper pose alignment, breathing coordination, cooperative partner work, and mindful movement quality

Intervention Points

Step in if poses attempted beyond safe capability, if partners not cooperating effectively, or if breathing becomes forced

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate poses with perfect alignment, breathe audibly, move slowly between positions, make animal sounds enthusiastically but appropriately

Verbal Cues

•'Move like honey - slow and smooth'
•'Feel your breath moving in your body'
•'High hips in down dog like a mountain peak'
•'Make your animal sound with confidence'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 8m x 8m clear space with yoga mats spread 1.5m apart

Surface Check

Non-slip mats on clean, dry floor free from obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check yoga mats are non-slip and in good condition
•Ensure adequate spacing prevents collisions during movement
•Audio equipment tested and at appropriate volume

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Slips on mats during transitions
•Wrist strain in weight-bearing poses
•Lower back strain in backbend positions
•Collision between students during movement activities

Risk Mitigation

•Demonstrate proper alignment for all poses
•Emphasise slow, controlled movement throughout
•Monitor individual capabilities and modify as needed
•Maintain adequate spacing between students
•Stop activity immediately if students become overstimulated

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all students during floor work
•Circulate during partner work to monitor safety
•Pay particular attention to wrist and back alignment

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, notify school procedures for significant injuries