Lesson 8 - Creating Your Own Yoga Flow
Mindful Movement Flows
•Year 5
•Yoga
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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
Arranged in circle formation for warm-up, then spread around room
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares
Volume low enough for instruction but creating calm atmosphere
Alternative: Phone with Bluetooth speaker
Laid out around perimeter for reference
Alternative: Printed yoga poses from internet
Key Vocabulary
A continuous sequence of yoga poses linked together with controlled breathing
The controlled movement from one yoga pose to another
A respectful greeting meaning 'the light in me honours the light in you'
Being fully present and aware of your body, breath and feelings in the moment
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
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