🧘

Lesson 7 - Summer Flow and Mindfulness

Inner Strength Development

•

Year 4

•

Yoga

•

40 min

Big Question

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

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arrange in circle formation with adequate spacing between mats

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares for floor protection

Timer

Place in centre of room where all students can see clearly

Alternative: Digital timer visible to all students

Background Music

Audio system

Set at low volume to support, not distract from instruction

Alternative: Nature sounds or silence if preferred

Flow Sequence Cards

1 set

Display where all students can reference during practice

Alternative: Poster or whiteboard with pose illustrations

Key Vocabulary

Namaste

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

Flow

A sequence of yoga poses connected with smooth transitions

Warrior Pose

A strong standing pose that builds leg strength and stability

Cooling Breath

A breathing technique that creates a cooling sensation in the mouth

Mindfulness

Paying attention to the present moment with awareness and focus

Child's Pose

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

Holds poses for appropriate duration without wobbling

Breathes steadily throughout challenging poses

Moves fluidly between poses in sequence

Shows increased flexibility and strength over time

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