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Lesson 4 - Partner Yoga Technique

Mind-Body Connection

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Year 2

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Yoga

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54 min

Big Question

How can we work together to create beautiful yoga poses and flows that help us feel calm and focused?

Learning Objectives

To show control and technique in partner yoga poses
To link yoga actions together to create a flowing sequence
To demonstrate mindfulness and focus during relaxation activities

Key Outcomes

Students will perform partner yoga poses with good technique and control
Students will create and perform a linked sequence of partner yoga poses
Students will show improved focus and mindfulness during breathing exercises

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

Spread around the room with space between each mat

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares for each student

Track

Ready to play through speaker system

Alternative: Calm instrumental music or nature sounds

Cards

6 sets

Distributed around the room at different stations

Alternative: Printed pictures or tablet displays of partner poses

Key Vocabulary

Namaste

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

Flow

A sequence of yoga poses linked together with smooth transitions

Partner pose

A yoga position that requires two people working together

Mindfulness

Paying attention to the present moment and how you feel

Breathing count

Counting your breaths to help you focus and relax

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic individual yoga poses
Simple breathing techniques
Following movement instructions

Current Skills

Partner yoga poses and communication
Linking movements into sequences
Extended mindfulness practice

Next Steps

Creating longer yoga flows
Advanced partner poses
Leading mindfulness sessions

Milestone Indicators

Smooth transitions between poses

Clear communication with partner

Sustained focus during relaxation

Key Teaching Points

Safety first in all partner work - no forcing or pushing into poses
Communication is key - partners must talk and work together
Respect for self and others throughout the yoga practice
Focus on breath as the foundation of all yoga activities
Individual comfort levels matter more than perfect pose appearance
Mindfulness and calm energy throughout the lesson
Positive encouragement and support for all attempts and achievements

Common Misconceptions

Thinking yoga poses must look exactly like pictures - explain that everyone's body is different
Believing breathing exercises are boring - show how they help us feel calm and focused
Assuming partner work means competition - emphasise cooperation and support
Thinking you have to be flexible to do yoga - demonstrate how yoga helps us become more flexible over time
Believing mindfulness means falling asleep - explain it's about being awake and aware but calm

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular movement breaks, clear boundaries for partner work, fidget tools available during mindfulness if needed

dyspraxia

Simplified pose instructions, extra time for pose transitions, wall support available for balance poses

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson parts, quiet space available if overwhelmed, simplified pose choices

visual impairment

Detailed verbal descriptions of poses, tactile guidance from partner and teacher, use of bright coloured mats for boundary awareness

hearing impairment

Visual demonstration of all poses, written instruction cards, sign language for key yoga terms if known

physical disability

Chair-based versions of poses, adapted partner work using wheelchairs or walking aids, modified breathing exercises

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Descriptive vocabulary for feelings and sensations, clear communication with partners, following and giving instructions

Maths

Counting breaths and claps, timing sequences, spatial awareness of body positions and distances

Science

Understanding body systems during exercise, balance and forces in partner poses, breathing and relaxation effects

PSHE

Cooperation and trust with partners, emotional awareness and regulation, respect and mindfulness practices

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the perimeter of the room to observe all pairs, central position for demonstrations and group discussions

Observation Focus

Watch for safe partner interactions, pose quality and control, engagement during mindfulness, positive cooperation

Intervention Points

Step in if poses look unsafe, if partners are not communicating well, if students show signs of frustration or anxiety

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate poses clearly and slowly, emphasise safety aspects, show modifications for different abilities, model calm and respectful behaviour throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Remember to breathe slowly and deeply'
•'Talk to your partner about what you see in the picture'
•'Only go as far as feels comfortable'
•'Show me your beautiful still and focused bodies'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Indoor hall minimum 15m x 10m, clear of obstacles, non-slip surface preferred

Surface Check

Ensure floor is clean, dry and suitable for mat placement without slipping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check yoga mats are clean and in good condition
•Ensure pose cards have no sharp edges or damage
•Audio equipment positioned safely away from movement area

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during partner poses if balance lost
•Collisions between pairs during movement activities
•Overexertion or discomfort during poses
•Emotional distress during mindfulness if anxiety triggered

Risk Mitigation

•Adequate spacing between pairs (minimum 2m)
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex poses
•Clear instruction on safe entry and exit from poses
•Emphasis on individual comfort levels and no forcing

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all pairs during partner work
•Move around room during pose practice to give individual guidance
•Monitor for any signs of discomfort or reluctance
•Be alert during mindfulness for any students becoming upset

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, contact office if medical attention needed