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Lesson 6 - Yoga Flow Mastery and Reflection

Breath & Movement Connection

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Year 5

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Yoga

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1h 5min

Big Question

How can yoga poses help us feel strong, calm, and confident in our daily lives?

Learning Objectives

Perform a comprehensive range of yoga poses with confidence and control
Articulate the personal benefits and enjoyment experienced through yoga practice
Demonstrate self-motivation and physical confidence in challenging poses

Key Outcomes

Students will execute 11 different yoga poses with proper alignment and breathing
Students will share personal reflections on their yoga journey through affirmation circles
Students will show increased body awareness and emotional regulation

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arranged in grid formation with arms-length spacing

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares

Foam Blocks

1 per student (optional)

Available at sides of practice area for modifications

Alternative: Thick books or cushions

Background Music

1 audio system

Volume low enough for clear instruction hearing

Alternative: Nature sounds or silence

Blanket

1 per student (optional)

For relaxation portion at lesson end

Alternative: Jumpers or jackets

Key Vocabulary

Affirmation

A positive statement about yourself that builds confidence and self-belief

Sun Salutation

A flowing sequence of yoga poses that warms the whole body

Alignment

The correct positioning of your body parts in each yoga pose

Mindfulness

Being fully present and aware of your body, breath, and feelings

Core Engagement

Activating your abdominal muscles to support your spine and posture

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic yoga poses including Mountain, Tree, and Child's pose
Sun salutation sequence components
Breathing techniques and body awareness

Current Skills

Advanced pose variations and challenging balances
Complete sun salutation sequences
Mindful reflection and positive affirmations

Next Steps

Creating personal yoga sequences
Teaching poses to others
Using yoga for stress management independently

Milestone Indicators

Maintains balance in Tree pose for 30+ seconds

Completes 6 sun salutation rounds with control

Articulates personal benefits of yoga practice

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise that yoga is about personal growth, not perfection or competition
Connect breath awareness to emotional regulation and daily life stress management
Celebrate individual progress and encourage self-compassion throughout practice
Model positive self-talk and body appreciation during demonstrations
Create safe, supportive environment for personal sharing and vulnerability
Reinforce that every body is different and modifications are always available
Link yoga benefits to improved focus, confidence, and emotional wellbeing

Common Misconceptions

Yoga is only for flexible people - correct by showing modifications for all bodies
You must achieve perfect poses - emphasise process over product
Yoga is too easy or not real exercise - highlight strength and endurance required
Meditation and reflection are boring - connect to practical benefits for daily life
Boys can't do yoga - ensure inclusive language and diverse examples

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear movement boundaries, regular breathing breaks, tactile props for focus

autism spectrum

Predictable routine, quiet space available, optional participation in affirmation circle

visual impairment

Detailed verbal descriptions of poses, tactile guidance for alignment, partner support for demonstrations

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations from multiple angles, written pose cards, clear visual cues for breathing

physical disability

Chair-based yoga modifications, adapted poses using props, focus on accessible movements

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development through pose names, oral communication in affirmation circle, descriptive language for sensations

Maths

Counting breaths and repetitions, understanding symmetry in poses, spatial awareness and body positioning

Science

Understanding body systems, effects of exercise on breathing and heart rate, mindfulness and nervous system regulation

PSHE

Self-awareness and emotional regulation, positive self-talk, building confidence and resilience, mindfulness practices

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move throughout space during practice, join circle for affirmation sharing

Observation Focus

Watch for pose alignment, breathing quality, emotional comfort during sharing

Intervention Points

Step in if poses attempted unsafely, support struggling students during reflection

Demonstration Notes

Model all poses with emphasis on safety, demonstrate modifications, show enthusiasm for personal growth

Verbal Cues

•'Listen to your body'
•'Breathe deeply and slowly'
•'Every body is different'
•'Focus on your own practice'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 2m x 2m per student for full yoga sequence, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Non-slip mats on level surface, checked for tears or damage

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Mats positioned securely without wrinkles or folds
•Blocks/props checked for stability and cleanliness
•Adequate spacing between students for all movements

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Overextension in poses
•Loss of balance during standing poses
•Neck strain in poses like Fish or Plough

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasis on listening to body and stopping if uncomfortable
•Wall support available for all balance poses
•Careful instruction and demonstration of challenging poses
•Encouragement to use modifications as needed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Close monitoring of challenging poses like Fish and Plough
•Individual attention during balance poses
•Ensuring respectful atmosphere during affirmation circle

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if any pain or discomfort, provide quiet space for overwhelmed students