Lesson 7 - Summer Flow Coordination
Mindful Movement & Body Awareness
•Year 1
•Yoga
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How can we move our bodies like we're experiencing a perfect summer day?
Learning Objectives
- To copy and repeat a Summer flow showing control and coordination
- To develop awareness of breath and body connection
- To improve balance, flexibility and mindfulness through yoga poses
Key Outcomes
- Students will perform a 5-pose Summer flow with controlled movements
- Students will demonstrate proper breathing techniques during yoga practice
- Students will show improved body awareness and coordination
Equipment & Resources Required
Arranged in circle for 'Around the World' activity, then in rows for flow practice
Alternative: Towels, carpet squares, or marked floor spaces
Placed centrally where all students can see
Alternative: Digital timer, stopwatch, or mindfulness app
Track 34 'Breathe' ready to play for mindful activities
Alternative: Calm instrumental music or nature sounds
Available for quick reference during instruction
Alternative: Pose cards or visual aids
Key Vocabulary
A greeting meaning 'the light in me honours the light in you'
A sequence of yoga poses that connect together smoothly
A strong standing pose with arms stretched wide like a surfer
A balance pose where you stand like a strong tree
A seated balance pose where your body looks like a boat
A back bend lying on your tummy like a snake lifting its head
A resting pose where you curl up like a sleeping animal
Paying attention to the present moment with your body and mind
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic body awareness from previous yoga sessions
- Understanding of 'namaste' greeting and yoga etiquette
- Familiarity with some basic poses like tree and child's pose
Current Skills
- Performing Summer flow sequence with control
- Coordinating breath with movement
- Maintaining poses for extended periods
Next Steps
- Creating own yoga sequences
- Teaching poses to others
- Developing advanced breathing techniques
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always emphasise gentle movement - never force poses or breathing
- Use rich summer imagery throughout to engage imagination and enhance pose quality
- Count breaths slowly and clearly to help students develop rhythm and control
- Provide multiple sitting options to accommodate different comfort needs
- Model mindfulness and calm presence throughout the entire lesson
- Connect each pose to the summer story to make sequences memorable
- Celebrate effort and improvement rather than perfect pose achievement
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think yoga poses must look perfect - emphasise personal practice and comfort
- Some may hold breath during poses - repeatedly remind to keep breathing naturally
- Belief that flexibility is required for yoga - teach that yoga develops flexibility over time
- Thinking yoga is not 'real' exercise - explain how it builds strength, balance and focus
- Misconception that everyone must sit cross-legged - offer multiple comfortable positions
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter pose holds initially, movement breaks between stillness, clear boundaries and expectations
dyspraxia
- Simplified pose variations, extra time for coordination, visual and physical guidance
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of poses, quiet space available if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use tactile guidance for pose placement, detailed verbal descriptions of each pose, partner support for balance poses
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all poses, written pose cards, hand signals for breathing cues
physical disability
- Chair-adapted poses, modified positions, focus on upper body movements and breathing
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development with yoga terms, descriptive language for summer scenes
Maths
Counting breaths, timing with sand timer, spatial awareness in poses
Science
Learning about breathing system, how breath affects body, muscle engagement in poses
Geography
Exploring different environments through summer imagery - beaches, trees, water
PSHE
Mindfulness and emotional regulation, cooperation and respect, self-awareness
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand where all students can see and hear clearly, move around to provide individual support
Observation Focus
Watch for proper pose alignment, breathing coordination, focus during mindfulness
Intervention Points
Step in if students losing balance repeatedly, struggling with breathing technique, or showing signs of strain
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate poses first, exaggerate key points for visibility, use imagery to enhance understanding
Verbal Cues
- •'Root down through your standing foot like tree roots'
- •'Lift your chest gently like a wave'
- •'Breathe slowly and deeply like you're smelling a flower'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 8m x 8m, clear of obstacles, non-slip surface preferred
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, yoga mats provide grip and cushioning
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check yoga mats are clean and in good condition
- •Ensure sand timer is unbreakable and secure
- •Test audio equipment volume levels
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls from balance poses
- •Back strain from incorrect cobra pose
- •Collisions during partner activities
- •Overstretching in poses
Risk Mitigation
- •Teach proper alignment for all poses
- •Emphasise gentle movements, never forcing
- •Clear directional movement for partner activities
- •Adequate spacing between students
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all students during poses
- •Monitor back extension in cobra pose closely
- •Watch for balance stability in tree pose
- •Ensure gentle interactions during partner work
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical staff if needed