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Lesson 8 - Creating Your Own Yoga Flow

Mindful Movement Flows

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Year 5

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Yoga

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45 min

Big Question

How can we combine different yoga poses to create our own flowing sequence that shows control, balance and mindfulness?

Learning Objectives

To create a personal yoga flow sequence that challenges technique, balance and control
To demonstrate controlled transitions between yoga poses
To teach and share yoga sequences with others effectively

Key Outcomes

Students will design and perform an 8-pose yoga flow with smooth transitions
Students will demonstrate controlled breathing techniques during their sequence
Students will successfully teach their flow to another pair

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arranged in circle formation for warm-up, then spread around room

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares

Background Music

1 speaker system

Volume low enough for instruction but creating calm atmosphere

Alternative: Phone with Bluetooth speaker

Cards

4 sets (poses 1-22)

Laid out around perimeter for reference

Alternative: Printed yoga poses from internet

Key Vocabulary

Flow

A continuous sequence of yoga poses linked together with controlled breathing

Transition

The controlled movement from one yoga pose to another

Namaste

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

Mindfulness

Being fully present and aware of your body, breath and feelings in the moment

Mountain Pose

A foundational standing pose with feet together, spine tall and arms by sides

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic yoga poses from previous lessons
Understanding of mountain pose and basic breathing
Simple balance and flexibility movements

Current Skills

Creating flowing sequences between poses
Teaching yoga movements to others
Advanced breathing control during movement

Next Steps

More complex partner yoga sequences
Advanced balance challenges
Leading yoga sessions for younger students

Milestone Indicators

Smooth transitions without losing balance

Coordinated breathing with movement

Clear communication when teaching others

Key Teaching Points

Model mindful, controlled movement throughout
Emphasise breath coordination with all movements
Create calm, respectful atmosphere from start to finish
Support collaborative learning through partner work
Focus on personal progress rather than comparison
Encourage creativity within safe boundaries
Use yoga as opportunity to develop patience and focus

Common Misconceptions

Thinking yoga is about flexibility only - emphasise strength and control
Believing poses must be perfect - focus on personal best effort
Assuming faster is better - emphasise slow, controlled movement
Thinking breathing doesn't matter - show connection between breath and movement
Believing yoga is not 'real' exercise - highlight strength and concentration required

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break sequences into smaller chunks, provide clear boundaries, allow movement breaks

dyspraxia

Simplify sequences, provide extra practice time, use step-by-step visual guides

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, offer quiet space option, use visual sequence cards

visual impairment

Provide verbal descriptions of all poses, use partner support for balance, ensure clear pathways

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations, hand signals for breathing cues, written sequence cards

physical disability

Adapt poses for wheelchair users, provide chair-based variations, focus on achievable movements

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Clear communication when teaching, following and giving instructions, expanding vocabulary

Maths

Counting breath patterns, sequencing poses in order, understanding symmetry in poses

Science

Understanding breathing and oxygen flow, muscle control and coordination, balance and centre of gravity

PSHE

Mindfulness and emotional regulation, building confidence, supporting others, patience and empathy

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during circle work, circulate during pair activities

Observation Focus

Monitor pose safety, breathing technique, and collaborative interactions

Intervention Points

["Step in if poses appear unsafe or too advanced", "Support struggling partnerships with guidance", "Assist with breathing technique if students struggle"]

Demonstration Notes

Model all poses with perfect form, emphasise breath coordination, show patience in teaching

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe with your movement'
•'Control the transition'
•'Stay within your comfort zone'
•'Support your partner'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor space with non-slip surface, minimum 20m x 15m

Surface Check

Clean, flat surface free from obstacles, adequate ventilation

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check yoga mats are flat with no turned corners
•Ensure pose cards have no sharp edges
•Verify music volume allows clear instruction

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Overstretching in poses
•Loss of balance during transitions
•Collisions between pairs

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise working within comfortable range
•Teach controlled transitions gradually
•Ensure adequate spacing between groups
•Monitor for signs of dizziness during breathing

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups during partner work
•Move around room during flow creation
•Monitor breathing exercises for comfort

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide first aid as needed, contact emergency services if required