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Big Question

How can we move like nature and feel the summer around us through yoga?

Learning Objectives

  • To copy and repeat a Summer flow showing control and coordination
  • To link yoga poses together with conscious breathing
  • To develop mindfulness through movement and breath awareness

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate the Summer flow sequence with improved control
  • Students will show awareness of their breathing during poses
  • Students will display increased focus and mindfulness

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat
1 per student (30)

Arranged in circle for 'Around the world' activity, then scattered for individual work

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares

Timer
1

Place in centre of room for mindfulness activity

Alternative: Digital timer with visual display

Track
1 speaker system

Ready to play Track 34 'Breathe' during activities

Alternative: Calm background music or natural sounds

Flow Sequence Cards
Visual aids for demonstration

Available for students who need visual reminders

Alternative: Simple drawn pictures of poses

Key Vocabulary

Namaste

A respectful greeting used in yoga meaning 'I bow to you'

Flow

A sequence of yoga poses that flow smoothly from one to another

Warrior 2

A strong standing pose with arms outstretched and legs wide

Tree Pose

A balancing pose standing on one leg with the other foot placed on the thigh or shin

Mindfulness

Paying attention to the present moment and how our body feels

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic yoga poses from previous lessons
  • Understanding of breathing techniques
  • Ability to follow simple movement patterns

Current Skills

  • Linking poses together in sequence
  • Coordinating breath with movement
  • Developing mindfulness and focus

Next Steps

  • Creating own yoga sequences
  • Advanced breathing techniques
  • Leading others through flows

Milestone Indicators

1
Smooth transitions between poses
2
Visible breathing coordination
3
Sustained focus during activities

Key Teaching Points

  • Emphasise breath awareness throughout all activities
  • Use summer imagery to enhance engagement and imagination
  • Focus on control and mindfulness rather than perfect poses
  • Maintain respectful, calm atmosphere throughout lesson
  • Encourage personal progress rather than comparison with others
  • Connect each pose to its summer story element
  • Ensure proper spacing and safety during partner activities

Common Misconceptions

  • Yoga is only about flexibility - emphasise strength and focus too
  • Poses must be perfect - encourage personal progress and modification
  • Breathing exercises are boring - highlight the cooling and calming benefits
  • Only flexible people can do yoga - show adaptations for all abilities
  • Yoga is not exercise - explain the physical and mental benefits

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, offer movement breaks as needed
dyspraxia
  • Allow extra time for pose transitions, provide wall support for balance, simplify sequences as needed
autism spectrum
  • Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet space if overwhelmed, use visual schedule of lesson sequence
visual impairment
  • Use clear verbal descriptions of all poses, provide tactile guidance for hand positions, use contrasting coloured mats
hearing impairment
  • Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written sequence cards, ensure visual contact during instructions
physical disability
  • Offer chair-based versions of poses, modify poses for limited mobility, use props for support as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Descriptive language for summer scenes, following sequential instructions, developing vocabulary

Maths

Counting breaths and time, understanding sequences and patterns, spatial awareness

Science

Understanding how breathing affects the body, exploring balance and coordination, learning about relaxation responses

Art

Visualising summer scenes, creative expression through movement, understanding flowing lines and shapes

Geography

Exploring summer weather and environments, understanding different climates and seasons

PSHE

Mindfulness and emotional regulation, building confidence, respecting others and traditions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around room to observe all students, stand centrally for demonstrations, be near partnerships during 'Around the world'

Observation Focus

Watch for pose alignment, breathing coordination, focus levels, and respectful interactions

Intervention Points

Step in if students forcing poses, showing frustration, or losing focus during mindfulness

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate poses clearly with perfect alignment, emphasise the storytelling aspect, show modifications for different abilities

Verbal Cues
  • •'Breathe slowly and deeply'
  • •'Feel your feet strong on the ground'
  • •'Imagine the warm summer sun'
  • •'Listen to your body'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 8m x 8m clear space, non-slip surface essential for balance poses

Surface Check

Ensure yoga mats are placed on clean, dry, level surface away from walls and obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • •Check yoga mats are clean and not slippery
  • •Ensure sand timer is placed safely in centre away from feet
  • •Audio equipment positioned where it won't be knocked over

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • •Falls during balance poses
  • •Overstretching in poses
  • •Dizziness from breathing exercises
  • •Collisions during 'Around the world' activity
Risk Mitigation
  • •Adequate spacing between mats for all activities
  • •Emphasis on controlled, gentle movements
  • •Regular reminders not to force poses
  • •Clear direction and spacing for partner activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • •Position for clear view of all students during balance poses
  • •Move around during partner work to monitor interactions
  • •Watch for signs of overexertion or dizziness
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess student calmly, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students remain safely seated