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Lesson 7 - Collaborative Partner Yoga Flow

Mindful Movement Flows

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Year 5

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Yoga

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50 min

Big Question

How can we work together to create beautiful, flowing movements that challenge our balance and control?

Learning Objectives

To work collaboratively to create a controlled paired yoga flow
To develop balance and strength whilst holding yoga poses
To transition smoothly between poses with control and mindfulness

Key Outcomes

Students will create and perform a partner yoga flow with 4-5 poses
Students will demonstrate improved balance and control in transitional movements
Students will work collaboratively to support their partner's yoga practice

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Distribute around room with 2-metre spacing between mats

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares for floor protection

Cards

6 sets (poses 1-22)

Place in central location for easy rotation between pairs

Alternative: Printed sheets with partner pose illustrations

Relaxation Music

Audio system

Test volume level before lesson - should be calm and unobtrusive

Alternative: Simple background music or nature sounds

Yoga Cards

5 sets for reference

Available for students who need additional support or ideas

Alternative: Simple pose instruction sheets

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 the next

Transition

The movement from one yoga pose to another

Alignment

The proper positioning of body parts in a yoga pose

Breath awareness

Focusing attention on your breathing pattern during practice

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 breathing techniques for relaxation
Ability to hold static balances for 5+ seconds

Current Skills

Partner yoga poses requiring cooperation and communication
Smooth transitions between poses maintaining control
Creating and memorising a sequence of movements

Next Steps

Advanced partner balances requiring greater trust
Creating longer, more complex yoga flows
Teaching yoga sequences to others

Milestone Indicators

Can hold partner poses for 5 breaths consistently

Transitions between poses are smooth and controlled

Demonstrates clear communication with partner during practice

Key Teaching Points

Always emphasise slow, controlled movements and communication between partners
Focus on effort and improvement rather than perfect pose execution
Create a respectful, non-competitive atmosphere that celebrates cooperation
Use breathing as a tool for focus, control and relaxation throughout the lesson
Encourage students to respect their own and others' physical boundaries
Model positive collaboration and communication during all demonstrations
Connect physical practice to emotional awareness and mindfulness

Common Misconceptions

That yoga is only about flexibility - emphasise strength, balance and mental focus
That partner poses need to look exactly like the pictures - focus on safety and communication over perfect form
That struggling with poses means failure - celebrate effort and gradual improvement
That yoga is boring or easy - highlight the challenge of coordination, balance and teamwork
That only girls can be good at yoga - ensure all students feel welcomed and capable

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Include frequent movement breaks, provide clear structure with shorter activity segments, use positive reinforcement for focus and cooperation

dyspraxia

Break down poses into smaller steps, provide additional practice time, focus on effort and improvement rather than perfect form

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of lesson activities, allow choice in partner selection, create quiet space for breaks if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Provide clear verbal descriptions of poses, use physical guidance with permission, ensure partner can provide verbal cues for alignment

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, provide written instructions for flows, ensure partner can provide visual cues and support

physical disability

Modify poses for seated or supported positions, focus on achievable movements and breathing, adapt partner work to individual capabilities

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development for describing movement and feelings, listening skills during instruction and reflection

Maths

Counting breaths and poses, timing sequences, understanding symmetry and balance in partner poses

Science

Understanding how breathing affects the body, exploring balance and gravity in partner poses

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, building trust with others, emotional awareness and self-regulation

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Circulate around the room during partner work, position centrally for demonstrations and group instruction

Observation Focus

Watch for safe partner pose alignment, quality of communication between students, evidence of cooperation and respect

Intervention Points

Step in if students attempt poses beyond safe ability level, guide collaboration when communication breaks down

Demonstration Notes

Model partner poses with confident student assistant, emphasise communication and safety throughout demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Move slowly and breathe deeply'
•'Talk to your partner about what feels comfortable'
•'Remember to support each other's balance'
•'Focus on your breath to help with control'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large, clear indoor space (sports hall or large classroom) with minimum 2m spacing between pairs

Surface Check

Non-slip floor surface with yoga mats for grip and protection, ensure no hazards or obstacles in movement area

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check yoga mats are clean, flat and non-slip
•Ensure partner pose cards are clearly visible and undamaged
•Test audio system volume - should enhance not overwhelm

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during partner balances
•Collisions between pairs during flow creation
•Overexertion or forcing poses beyond comfortable range
•Emotional discomfort if struggling with partner communication

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise slow, controlled movements throughout
•Teach clear communication signals for partner work
•Demonstrate proper spotting and support techniques
•Encourage students to respect personal limits and boundaries

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all pairs during partner work
•Circulate actively during flow creation to provide guidance
•Listen for appropriate communication and cooperation

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if unsafe behaviour observed, ensure first aider available for any falls or strains