Lesson 7 - Summer Flow Development
Mindful Movement & Balance
•Year 3
•Yoga
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How can we use breathing and yoga poses to feel calm and strong like nature in summer?
Learning Objectives
- To develop flexibility and strength through summer-themed yoga poses
- To use controlled breathing to enhance yoga practice and mindfulness
- To demonstrate control and stability in flowing sequences
Key Outcomes
- Students will hold yoga poses with improved strength and control
- Students will use breathing techniques to enhance their flexibility and focus
- Students will complete a flowing sequence with smooth transitions
Equipment & Resources Required
Arrange in circle formation with adequate spacing between mats
Alternative: Towels or designated floor spaces if mats unavailable
Place centrally where all students can see clearly
Alternative: Digital timer or stopwatch with visible display
Test audio levels before lesson begins
Alternative: Teacher-led breathing cues if audio unavailable
Key Vocabulary
A respectful greeting meaning 'the light in me honours the light in you'
Moving smoothly from one yoga pose to another with breath
A strong standing pose with one leg forward, arms reaching up
A balancing pose standing on one leg with the other foot placed on leg
A core strengthening pose balancing on sitting bones
A back-bending pose lying down, lifting chest like a snake
A resting pose sitting back on heels with arms forward
Paying attention to the present moment with awareness and focus
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic yoga pose names and shapes
- Simple breathing awareness
- Following movement instructions
Current Skills
- Holding poses with increased strength and control
- Coordinating breath with movement
- Flowing between poses smoothly
Next Steps
- Creating own yoga sequences
- Advanced breathing techniques
- Teaching poses to others
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always emphasise breathing as the foundation of yoga practice
- Encourage students to listen to their bodies and never force poses
- Model calm, peaceful energy throughout the lesson
- Use positive, encouraging language to build confidence
- Connect physical poses to summer imagery for engagement
- Focus on personal progress rather than comparison with others
- Create an inclusive environment where all abilities are celebrated
Common Misconceptions
- Yoga is only about flexibility - actually builds strength, balance and mental focus
- You need to be good at yoga to start - everyone can benefit regardless of starting point
- Holding breath makes poses easier - actually coordinated breathing enhances performance
- Yoga poses should hurt - discomfort may occur but pain should be avoided
- Mindfulness means emptying your mind - actually about gentle awareness and focus
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, movement breaks between poses, fidget-friendly mindfulness options
dyspraxia
- Simplified pose sequences, additional practice time, visual pose cards for reference
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of poses, quiet space for breaks, predictable routine structure
visual impairment
- Use tactile cues for pose positioning, verbal descriptions of all movements, buddy system for support
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all poses, written instructions, use of visual breathing cues
physical disability
- Chair-based versions of poses, seated breathing exercises, adapted ranges of motion
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting breaths, timing poses, understanding symmetry in body positions
Science
Understanding breathing, muscle groups, and how exercise affects the body
Geography
Learning about India and yoga's cultural origins
PSHE
Mindfulness, emotional regulation, cooperation and respect for others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around room during activities, central position during instruction and demonstration
Observation Focus
Watch for proper alignment, breathing coordination, and signs of discomfort
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with balance, showing poor alignment, or appearing uncomfortable
Demonstration Notes
Model all poses clearly, show modifications, maintain calm and peaceful energy throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Breathe slowly and deeply'
- •'Listen to your body'
- •'Focus on your foundation'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 10m x 8m clear space, suitable for floor work
Surface Check
Clean, non-slip surface suitable for mat placement
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check yoga mats are clean and not slippery
- •Ensure sand timer is unbreakable and safe
- •Test audio equipment volume levels
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls during balance poses
- •Overextension in backbends
- •Collisions during movement activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Adequate spacing between mats for all activities
- •Progressive skill building from basic to advanced
- •Clear instructions for safe movement and interactions
- •Emphasis on listening to body and not forcing poses
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all students during poses
- •Monitor balance activities closely
- •Watch for signs of discomfort or fatigue
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid support