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Lesson 4 - Partner Yoga Flow Creation

Mindful Movement & Balance

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Year 3

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Yoga

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45 min

Big Question

How can we work together to create beautiful flowing movements that strengthen our bodies and calm our minds?

Learning Objectives

To work collaboratively to create a paired yoga flow sequence
To develop strength, balance and control in yoga poses
To move smoothly and mindfully between different poses

Key Outcomes

Students will create a flowing sequence of 4-5 partner yoga poses
Students will demonstrate improved balance and strength in held poses
Students will work cooperatively to support their partner's learning

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

30 (1 per student)

Distributed around room with adequate spacing between each mat

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares if mats unavailable

Cards

6 sets (Poses 1-6, 7-12, 13-18, 19-22)

Organised in stations around the room for easy rotation

Alternative: Printed sheets or digital display if cards unavailable

Background Music

1 audio system

Volume set low enough for clear teacher instructions

Alternative: Breathe Audio or India Audio tracks

Key Vocabulary

Namaste

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

Flow

A smooth sequence of yoga poses linked together with breathing

Down Dog

An inverted V-shape pose with hands and feet on ground

Transition

The movement from one yoga pose to another

Partner Pose

A yoga position performed together with another person

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic yoga poses from previous lessons
Understanding of 'namaste' greeting
Simple breathing techniques

Current Skills

Partner cooperation in physical activities
Creating flowing sequences of movements
Holding poses with increased strength and control

Next Steps

More complex partner poses requiring greater trust
Leading yoga sessions for younger students
Incorporating yoga into daily mindfulness practice

Milestone Indicators

Consistent balance in single-leg poses

Smooth transitions without losing form

Effective communication with partner during pose creation

Key Teaching Points

Safety and comfort must always come before perfect pose execution
Breathing awareness connects movement and creates mindful practice
Partner cooperation requires patience, communication, and mutual support
Yoga is about personal growth, not competition with others
Smooth transitions between poses create beautiful flowing sequences
Mindfulness skills developed in yoga apply to many life situations
Every pose attempt is successful when done with awareness and care

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: Poses must look exactly like pictures - Reality: Individual bodies create different shapes safely
Misconception: Harder poses are better poses - Reality: Appropriate challenge for your body is best
Misconception: You must be flexible to do yoga - Reality: Yoga helps develop flexibility gradually
Misconception: Partner yoga requires identical abilities - Reality: Different abilities can complement each other beautifully
Misconception: Mindfulness is just sitting still - Reality: Mindful awareness can happen during movement and activity

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Include movement breaks, use shorter activity segments, provide clear visual boundaries for partner work

dyspraxia

Allow extra time for pose coordination, provide additional verbal guidance, encourage approximate rather than perfect poses

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of lesson sections, allow familiar partner choices, create quiet space if needed for regulation

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of pose cards, provide tactile guidance for pose positioning, ensure partner provides clear verbal cues

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations, written pose instructions, sign language support if available, ensure visual contact during partner work

physical disability

Adapt poses for seated or modified positions, focus on achievable ranges of motion, allow alternative equipment like chairs

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting breaths and poses, timing sequences, spatial awareness and symmetry in partner poses

Science

Understanding breathing and oxygen flow, muscle strengthening and flexibility, balance and gravity concepts

Art

Creating beautiful shapes and sequences, aesthetic appreciation of movement, creative expression through flow design

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, communication skills, emotional regulation through mindfulness, respect for others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move continuously around room perimeter to observe all pairs, position centrally during group instructions

Observation Focus

Partner communication, pose safety, cooperation quality, and mindfulness engagement

Intervention Points

Step in when poses appear unsafe, communication breaks down, or students show frustration

Demonstration Notes

Show all poses personally, emphasise breath connection, model patient communication and cooperation

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe with your movement'
•'Listen to your body'
•'Support your partner with encouraging words'
•'Move slowly and mindfully'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 8m x 12m clear space, yoga mats with 1.5m spacing between each

Surface Check

Non-slip, even surface suitable for yoga mats, free from hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Yoga mats checked for tears or slippery surfaces
•Partner pose cards reviewed for age-appropriate content
•Music equipment positioned safely away from movement area

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during balance poses
•Strain from overstretching
•Collisions between pairs during transitions
•Discomfort from inappropriate partner poses

Risk Mitigation

•All poses remain close to ground level
•No lifting or supporting body weight
•Clear communication protocols for discomfort
•Adequate spacing between practicing pairs
•Teacher demonstration of safe entry/exit from poses

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all pairs simultaneously
•Circulate regularly to check pose safety
•Monitor communication between partners
•Watch for signs of overstretching or strain

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess calmly, provide appropriate first aid and support