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Lesson 4 - Partner Yoga Flow Creation

Inner Strength Development

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Year 4

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Yoga

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45 min

Big Question

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

Yoga Mat

30 (1 per student)

Arrange in scattered formation around the space with room to move between

Alternative: Towels or blankets if mats unavailable

Cards

Sets 1-6, 7-12, 13-18, 19-22

Organise in stations around the room for easy rotation

Alternative: Laminated pictures or tablet/screen display

Tunnel Systems

Position centrally for even sound distribution

Alternative: Portable speaker with phone/tablet connection

Music Tracks

Breathe audio and India audio files

Test volume levels before lesson begins

Alternative: Any slow, instrumental or world music suitable for relaxation

Key Vocabulary

Namaste

A respectful greeting meaning 'the light in me honours the light in you'

Flow

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

Partner pose

A yoga position that requires two people working together for balance and support

Transition

The movement between one pose and the next in a flowing sequence

Mindful breathing

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

Holds partner poses for 5+ breaths with stability

Demonstrates smooth, controlled transitions

Shows effective partner communication and support

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