Lesson 6 - Animal Flow Sequences
Mindful Movement & Balance
•Year 3
•Yoga
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How can we use our breath and movement to embody the grace and strength of animals?
Learning Objectives
- To improve flexibility and technique in an animal-inspired flow
- To develop controlled movement transitions between yoga poses
- To understand how breathing enhances yoga practice
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate smooth transitions between animal yoga poses
- Students will create their own animal flow sequence with 4-5 poses
- Students will use breathing techniques to enhance their practice
Equipment & Resources Required
Arrange in circle formation for group practice
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares if mats unavailable
Distribute around teaching space for reference
Alternative: Printed pictures of yoga poses or tablet with yoga app
Positioned centrally for clear audio throughout space
Alternative: Smartphone or tablet with speaker
Volume low enough for clear instruction delivery
Alternative: Nature sounds or silence if preferred
Key Vocabulary
A respectful greeting meaning 'the light in me honours the light in you'
Moving smoothly from one yoga pose to another
Taking slow, controlled breaths through the nose
A specific body position held in yoga
The ability to move joints and muscles through their full range of motion
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of personal space
- Simple stretching movements
- Ability to follow basic instructions
Current Skills
- Animal yoga poses and transitions
- Controlled breathing techniques
- Creating simple movement sequences
Next Steps
- More complex yoga sequences
- Partner yoga poses
- Longer breathing practices
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise breathing awareness throughout all activities
- Encourage individual expression while maintaining pose safety
- Create inclusive, non-competitive environment where all abilities are celebrated
- Model mindful, respectful behaviour and language throughout lesson
- Connect movement to animal characteristics for engagement and memory
- Focus on process and effort rather than perfect pose achievement
- Maintain calm, peaceful energy while keeping students engaged and active
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking yoga is just stretching - explain it includes strength, balance, and mindfulness
- Believing you need to be flexible to do yoga - emphasise that yoga helps develop flexibility
- Assuming poses must look exactly like demonstrations - encourage individual adaptation
- Thinking breathing is not important - connect breath to pose effectiveness and relaxation
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter pose holds initially, movement breaks between sections, clear visual and verbal cues
dyspraxia
- Extra time for pose transitions, simplified sequences, wall support for balance poses
autism spectrum
- Provide visual schedule of activities, offer quiet space if needed, consistent routine and structure
visual impairment
- Use verbal descriptions of poses, tactile guidance, partner support for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all poses, written instruction cards, sign language if known
physical disability
- Chair-based yoga adaptations, use of props and supports, modified poses for limited mobility
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development, following and giving instructions, creative expression through movement
Science
Understanding body systems, breathing and respiratory system, flexibility and muscle function
Geography
Learning about animals from different habitats and continents
PSHE
Mindfulness and emotional regulation, respect for others, body awareness and self-care
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter of circle to observe all students, demonstrate from centre for maximum visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for proper alignment, controlled movements, and mindful engagement with practice
Intervention Points
Step in if students forcing poses beyond comfort, not breathing properly, or showing disrespectful behaviour
Demonstration Notes
Model all poses with proper alignment, demonstrate modifications, show breathing techniques clearly with audible breath
Verbal Cues
- •'Listen to your body'
- •'Breathe slowly and deeply'
- •'Every body is different'
- •'Feel the stretch, don't force it'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 8m x 8m with non-slip surface, adequate ventilation
Surface Check
Clean, dry, non-slip surface with yoga mats properly positioned
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check yoga mats are clean and not torn
- •Ensure pose cards have no sharp edges
- •Verify audio equipment volume is appropriate
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Overstretching or forcing flexibility
- •Loss of balance in standing poses
- •Wrist strain in weight-bearing poses
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise listening to body signals and not forcing poses
- •Provide modifications for all poses
- •Ensure adequate spacing between students
- •Monitor for proper alignment and technique
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all students during pose practice
- •Watch for signs of overexertion or discomfort
- •Monitor transitions between floor and standing poses
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess student, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed