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Lesson 7 - Summer Flow Coordination

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 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

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arranged in circle for 'Around the World' activity, then in rows for flow practice

Alternative: Towels, carpet squares, or marked floor spaces

Timer

Placed centrally where all students can see

Alternative: Digital timer, stopwatch, or mindfulness app

Track

1 audio system

Track 34 'Breathe' ready to play for mindful activities

Alternative: Calm instrumental music or nature sounds

Flow Sequence Cards

1 for teacher reference

Available for quick reference during instruction

Alternative: Pose cards or visual aids

Key Vocabulary

Namaste

A greeting meaning 'the light in me honours the light in you'

Flow

A sequence of yoga poses that connect together smoothly

Warrior 2

A strong standing pose with arms stretched wide like a surfer

Tree Pose

A balance pose where you stand like a strong tree

Boat Pose

A seated balance pose where your body looks like a boat

Cobra Pose

A back bend lying on your tummy like a snake lifting its head

Child's Pose

A resting pose where you curl up like a sleeping animal

Mindfulness

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

Holds each pose for 4 breaths without wobbling

Transitions smoothly between poses

Demonstrates cooling breath technique correctly

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