Lesson 4 - Partner Yoga Technique
Mind-Body Connection
•Year 2
•Yoga
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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
Spread around the room with space between each mat
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares for each student
Ready to play through speaker system
Alternative: Calm instrumental music or nature sounds
Distributed around the room at different stations
Alternative: Printed pictures or tablet displays of partner poses
Key Vocabulary
A respectful greeting used in yoga, meaning 'the light in me honours the light in you'
A sequence of yoga poses linked together with smooth transitions
A yoga position that requires two people working together
Paying attention to the present moment and how you feel
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
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