Lesson 7 - Summer Flow and Mindfulness
Inner Strength Development
•Year 4
•Yoga
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use yoga poses and breathing to create our own summer flow sequence?
Learning Objectives
- To develop flexibility and strength through a coordinated summer yoga flow sequence
- To use controlled breathing techniques to enhance pose stability and mindfulness
- To demonstrate strength, control and fluid transitions between yoga poses
Key Outcomes
- Students will perform a complete summer flow sequence with controlled breathing
- Students will hold yoga poses with improved strength and flexibility
- Students will experience mindfulness through focused breathing exercises
Equipment & Resources Required
Arrange in circle formation with adequate spacing between mats
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares for floor protection
Place in centre of room where all students can see clearly
Alternative: Digital timer visible to all students
Set at low volume to support, not distract from instruction
Alternative: Nature sounds or silence if preferred
Display where all students can reference during practice
Alternative: Poster or whiteboard with pose illustrations
Key Vocabulary
A greeting meaning 'the light in me honours the light in you'
A sequence of yoga poses connected with smooth transitions
A strong standing pose that builds leg strength and stability
A breathing technique that creates a cooling sensation in the mouth
Paying attention to the present moment with awareness and focus
A resting pose where you sit back on your heels with arms extended
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic yoga poses like downward dog and tree pose
- Simple breathing awareness exercises
- Understanding of sitting positions and good posture
Current Skills
- Summer flow sequence combining multiple poses
- Cooling breath technique for mindfulness
- Partner yoga activities requiring cooperation
- Advanced pose variations and modifications
Next Steps
- Creating own yoga sequences
- Advanced breathing techniques
- Teaching yoga poses to others
- Incorporating yoga into daily mindfulness practice
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always prioritise proper alignment over depth of pose
- Encourage breathing awareness throughout all activities
- Model calm, focused energy to set positive tone
- Provide modifications to make poses accessible for all
- Create inclusive environment where all experiences are valid
- Use positive, encouraging language throughout lesson
- Emphasise mindfulness and body awareness over performance
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking yoga poses must be perfect or look exactly like demonstrations
- Believing that flexibility is required before starting yoga practice
- Assuming mindfulness means completely empty mind with no thoughts
- Thinking breathing exercises should be forced or unnatural
- Believing that wobbling in balance poses means failure
- Assuming yoga is only about physical poses rather than mindfulness
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Clear pose targets, frequent position changes, fidget tools during mindfulness if needed
dyspraxia
- Simple pose progressions, extra practice time, partner support for complex movements
autism spectrum
- Consistent routine structure, quiet mindfulness space, visual schedule of activities
visual impairment
- Clear verbal descriptions of poses, tactile guidance for alignment, use of consistent spatial references
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations, hand signals for breathing cues, written pose sequence cards
physical disability
- Chair yoga adaptations, wall support for balance, modified poses for limited mobility
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Descriptive vocabulary for feelings and sensations, following complex instructions
Maths
Timing and duration, symmetry in poses, patterns in breathing sequences
Science
Body systems, breathing and circulation, balance and forces in yoga poses
Geography
Cultural awareness of yoga origins in India, understanding different traditions
PSHE
Self-awareness, emotional regulation, mindfulness and wellbeing
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around room during practice to observe all students, demonstrate from front for new poses
Observation Focus
Watch for correct alignment, breathing coordination, and mindful engagement
Intervention Points
Step in for safety concerns, provide gentle corrections for alignment, offer modifications
Demonstration Notes
Show all poses clearly with proper alignment, model breathing techniques, demonstrate modifications
Verbal Cues
- •'Breathe deeply and slowly'
- •'Root down to rise up'
- •'Listen to your body'
- •'Find your steady breath'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 8m x 8m clear space, yoga mats with 2m spacing between students
Surface Check
Clean, non-slip surface suitable for floor work and movement
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check mats are clean and not slipping
- •Ensure sand timer is secure and unbreakable
- •Verify audio equipment is safe and appropriate volume
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Slips or falls during balance poses
- •Strain from overextending in poses
- •Collisions during partner activities
- •Dizziness from breathing exercises
Risk Mitigation
- •Teach proper alignment and modifications for all poses
- •Emphasise never forcing poses beyond comfort
- •Clear movement pathways and safe partner interactions
- •Monitor breathing exercises for any light-headedness
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all students during pose practice
- •Watch for proper alignment and safe execution
- •Monitor partner activities for appropriate interactions
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid or seek help