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Lesson 4 - Partner Yoga Control and Technique

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 work together with our partner to create beautiful, balanced yoga poses?

Learning Objectives

To show control and technique when performing partner yoga poses
To demonstrate focus and stillness during yoga practice
To work cooperatively with a partner to create flowing movements

Key Outcomes

Students will perform partner yoga poses with improved control
Students will demonstrate the ability to hold still positions for 5 counts
Students will create a simple yoga flow with their partner

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

30 (1 per student)

Spread mats around room with enough space between for partner work

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares if mats unavailable

Cards

7 sets

Place around room at stations for rotation

Alternative: Printed sheets or display on interactive board

Breathe Music Track

Volume low enough for instruction but creates calm atmosphere

Alternative: Quiet background music or silence

Relaxation Music

For mindfulness section if required

Alternative: Nature sounds or peaceful music

Key Vocabulary

Namaste

A greeting meaning 'I bow to you' - showing respect

Partner pose

A yoga position that requires two people working together

Flow

A sequence of yoga poses linked together smoothly

Mindfulness

Paying attention to the present moment and how we feel

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic individual yoga poses from previous lessons
Understanding of personal space and safety
Experience with following simple instructions

Current Skills

Partner cooperation in physical activities
Copying and mirroring movements with a partner
Maintaining balance and control in paired poses

Next Steps

More complex partner yoga sequences
Independent creation of yoga flows
Teaching poses to others with confidence

Milestone Indicators

Students can hold partner poses for 5 counts consistently

Students move between poses with smooth transitions

Students demonstrate respect and care for their partner

Key Teaching Points

Partner communication is essential before attempting any pose
Gentleness and care must be emphasised throughout the lesson
Quality of poses matters more than quantity or difficulty
Both partners should be active participants, not one leading and one following
Mindfulness and focus are as important as physical poses
Creating a calm, respectful atmosphere enhances the yoga experience
Progress should be measured by cooperation and control, not complexity

Common Misconceptions

Mistake: 'Yoga is easy because you're just stretching' - Correction: Explain that yoga requires strength, balance, and concentration
Mistake: 'The harder the pose, the better' - Correction: Emphasise that good technique in simple poses is more valuable
Mistake: 'You have to be flexible to do yoga' - Correction: Show that yoga helps improve flexibility over time
Mistake: 'Partner yoga means copying each other' - Correction: Explain that partner poses require two people working together as one unit
Mistake: 'Mindfulness is just lying down' - Correction: Teach that mindfulness requires active focus and attention

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent position changes, clear boundaries for partner work, regular movement breaks

dyspraxia

Simplified poses initially, extra practice time, partner provides additional support and guidance

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Detailed verbal descriptions of poses, tactile guidance from partner, use of bright coloured cards

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, written instructions available, use of hand signals for directions

physical disability

Modified poses that work from seated position, adapted partner support, alternative movements

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, describing movements, using positional language

Science

Balance and forces in partner poses, breathing and body systems during exercise

Art

Creating visual patterns and shapes with bodies, appreciating aesthetic movements

PSHE

Cooperation, trust-building, managing emotions, showing respect for others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around room during activities to observe all pairs. Position centrally for demonstrations and instructions

Observation Focus

Watch for quality of partner cooperation, safe execution of poses, and appropriate challenge level

Intervention Points

Step in if partners not communicating, poses becoming dangerous, or conflicts arising

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate partner poses with competent student. Emphasise communication and gentleness in all demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Talk to your partner first!'
•'Slow and gentle movements!'
•'Help each other balance!'
•'Hold it steady and count to five!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 8m x 8m, clear of obstacles. Each pair needs approximately 2m x 2m space for partner poses

Surface Check

Non-slip surface essential. Yoga mats must not slide during poses. Check for any hazards on floor

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Yoga mats checked for tears or damage
•Card sets laminated to prevent paper cuts
•Audio equipment positioned safely away from movement area

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Partner collisions during movement
•Falls during balance poses
•Inappropriate physical contact
•Overconfidence leading to dangerous poses

Risk Mitigation

•Clear partner guidelines established before activity
•Adequate spacing between pairs maintained
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex poses
•Constant supervision during partner poses

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all pairs during partner work
•Monitor for appropriate physical contact and communication
•Watch for signs of frustration or fatigue

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs. Assess and provide appropriate first aid. Have clear access to medical support if needed