Lesson 4 - Partner Yoga Flow Creation
Inner Strength Development
•Year 4
•Yoga
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we work together to create beautiful, flowing movements that unite our bodies and minds?
Learning Objectives
- To work collaboratively and create a paired yoga flow
- To demonstrate control and balance in partner yoga poses
- To develop mindful breathing and concentration skills
Key Outcomes
- Students will create and perform a flowing sequence of 4-5 partner yoga poses
- Students will demonstrate improved strength, balance and control in yoga positions
- Students will show effective collaboration and communication with their partner
Equipment & Resources Required
Arrange in scattered formation around the space with room to move between
Alternative: Towels or blankets if mats unavailable
Organise in stations around the room for easy rotation
Alternative: Laminated pictures or tablet/screen display
Position centrally for even sound distribution
Alternative: Portable speaker with phone/tablet connection
Test volume levels before lesson begins
Alternative: Any slow, instrumental or world music suitable for relaxation
Key Vocabulary
A respectful greeting meaning 'the light in me honours the light in you'
A sequence of yoga poses that move smoothly from one to another
A yoga position that requires two people working together for balance and support
The movement between one pose and the next in a flowing sequence
Conscious awareness of your breath to help focus and calm the mind
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic individual yoga poses (downward dog, warrior, tree pose)
- Understanding of mindful breathing techniques
- Experience working with partners in PE activities
Current Skills
- Partner yoga pose execution and stability
- Creating flowing sequences with smooth transitions
- Collaborative decision-making and pose selection
Next Steps
- Complex partner balances and counter-balances
- Creating longer sequences with narrative elements
- Teaching and leading others through yoga flows
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Partner safety is paramount - always move slowly and communicate
- Focus on collaboration and mutual support rather than perfect poses
- Breathing awareness enhances both physical performance and mindfulness
- Create an atmosphere of respect and non-judgement throughout
- Encourage creative expression within safe movement parameters
- Model positive communication and partnership yourself
- Celebrate effort and cooperation over achievement
Common Misconceptions
- Yoga is only about flexibility - emphasise strength and balance equally
- Partner poses must look exactly like the pictures - focus on safe adaptation
- Faster movements are better - consistently reinforce slow, controlled motion
- Only girls can do yoga - ensure all students feel welcome and included
- Mindfulness is boring - connect to concentration skills they use elsewhere
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Use shorter activity segments, provide clear structure and routine, allow movement breaks between seated activities
dyspraxia
- Break down poses into smaller steps, provide additional practice time, use physical supports and props as needed
autism spectrum
- Provide visual schedule of lesson activities, allow sensory breaks, prepare for partner changes with advance notice
visual impairment
- Use verbal descriptions of poses, provide tactile guidance for positioning, partner with sighted buddy for support
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations, written instructions on cards, hand signals for timing and transitions
physical disability
- Adapt poses for wheelchair users or limited mobility, use props and supports, focus on accessible movements
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development, following and giving instructions, descriptive language for movements and feelings
Maths
Counting breaths and beats, geometric shapes in poses, symmetry in partner positions, measuring time in sequences
Science
Balance and forces in partner poses, breathing and the respiratory system, muscle groups working together
Art
Body shapes and lines, creating visual patterns through movement, expressing ideas through physical form
PSHE
Cooperation and collaboration, communication skills, respecting others, building confidence and self-esteem
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the room during partner work to provide individual support, position centrally during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for safe execution of partner poses, quality of communication between students, signs of fatigue or discomfort
Intervention Points
Step in if partner poses become unsafe, provide guidance when pairs struggle with communication, offer modifications for different abilities
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate partner poses with confident volunteer, break down complex poses into steps, show both roles clearly
Verbal Cues
- •'Move slowly and breathe deeply'
- •'Support your partner with your words and actions'
- •'Check your partner is comfortable before moving'
- •'Hold the pose strong like a statue'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall or studio space minimum 15m x 15m with non-slip floor surface
Surface Check
Ensure floor is clean, dry and free from hazards; yoga mats provide additional grip
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check yoga mats are clean and not slippery
- •Ensure pose cards have no sharp edges
- •Test audio equipment volume at appropriate level
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls during partner poses and transitions
- •Collisions during warm-up movement
- •Over-stretching or forcing poses
- •Dizziness when moving from lying to standing
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between pairs/groups
- •Emphasis on slow, controlled movements throughout
- •Partner poses selected for age-appropriate difficulty
- •Regular checks for fatigue and comfort levels
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all partner work
- •Move around room during skill development
- •Monitor for any signs of discomfort or strain
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs; basic first aid knowledge required; school emergency procedures to be followed