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Lesson 2 - Linking Actions in Yoga Flows

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 use our breath to connect yoga poses and create a flowing sequence?

Learning Objectives

To link actions together to create a yoga flow
To understand how breathing enhances balance and control in yoga poses
To develop mindfulness and concentration through movement

Key Outcomes

Students will create and perform a flowing yoga sequence
Students will demonstrate improved balance and control through breathwork
Students will show increased focus and mindfulness during practice

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arrange in rows with space for arm movements between mats

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares if mats unavailable

Cards

5 sets of cards

Have cards ready for group distribution

Alternative: Printed yoga pose pictures or demonstrated poses

Tunnel Systems

Set up 'Breathe' audio track for background ambience

Alternative: No music required, can use natural classroom acoustics

Sun Salutation Story

1 copy for teacher

Have story ready for warm-up section

Alternative: Teacher can narrate basic sun salutation sequence

Key Vocabulary

Yoga Flow

A sequence of yoga poses linked together with smooth transitions

Namaste

A respectful greeting meaning 'I bow to you', used at start and end of yoga

Sun Salutation

A flowing sequence of poses traditionally performed to honour the sun

Breathwork

Using controlled breathing to enhance yoga practice and focus

Mindfulness

Being fully present and focused on the current moment

Transition

The movement from one yoga pose to another

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic yoga poses and positions
Understanding of controlled breathing techniques
Awareness of balance and body control

Current Skills

Linking yoga poses into flowing sequences
Using breath to enhance movement quality
Developing mindfulness through focused practice

Next Steps

Creating longer, more complex yoga flows
Advanced balancing poses and transitions
Teaching and leading others in yoga practice

Milestone Indicators

Smooth transitions between poses without losing balance

Consistent breathing pattern throughout sequences

Increased flexibility and body awareness

Key Teaching Points

Breathing is the foundation of all yoga practice - always return focus to breath
Quality of movement is more important than perfect pose achievement
Every student's yoga practice is individual - discourage comparison
Balance comes from focus and breathing, not just physical strength
Smooth transitions create flowing sequences, not rushed movements
Mindfulness and respect are as important as physical poses
Safety and listening to your body come before any pose or sequence

Common Misconceptions

Yoga is just stretching - actually it integrates breath, movement, and mindfulness
You must be flexible to do yoga - yoga helps develop flexibility gradually
Perfect poses are the goal - focus and breath awareness are more important
Yoga is easy because it's slow - it requires strength, balance, and concentration
Everyone should look the same in poses - individual bodies are different and that's good
Breathing is automatic so doesn't need attention - conscious breathing enhances practice significantly

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular movement breaks, shorter pose holds initially, fidget-friendly breathing techniques, clear boundaries

dyspraxia

Simplified pose sequences, extra time for positioning, wall support for balance, step-by-step verbal cues

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of poses, quiet corner available for breaks, predictable breathing patterns

visual impairment

Clear verbal descriptions of all poses, tactile guidance for positioning, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of breathing patterns, hand signals for timing, written instruction cards

physical disability

Chair-based yoga modifications, adapted poses for limited mobility, upper body focus alternatives

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development with yoga terminology, following and giving instructions, descriptive language for movement

Maths

Counting breath patterns, timing sequences, understanding rhythm and patterns in movement

Science

Understanding respiratory system, effects of controlled breathing on heart rate and relaxation response

Art

Body shapes and lines, creating flowing visual patterns through movement sequences

Geography

Understanding yoga's origins in ancient India, cultural awareness and respect

PSHE

Mindfulness and mental wellbeing, self-awareness, cooperation and respect for others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around space to observe all students, position centrally for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for breathing quality, pose alignment, balance stability, and group cooperation

Intervention Points

Step in if students show signs of strain, dizziness, or unsafe pose attempts

Demonstration Notes

Model all poses clearly, emphasise breathing, show modifications for different abilities

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe slowly and deeply'
•'Move like flowing water'
•'Find your focus point'
•'Listen to your body'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m indoor space with non-slip floor surface

Surface Check

Clean, dry floor free from obstacles; yoga mats properly positioned with no slipping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Yoga mats checked for wear and proper grip
•Audio equipment positioned safely away from movement areas
•Yoga cards have no sharp edges or damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during balancing poses
•Overstretching in poses
•Dizziness from breathing exercises or position changes
•Collisions during group movements

Risk Mitigation

•Adequate spacing between students (2m minimum)
•Clear instruction on safe pose modifications
•Gradual progression in breathing exercise intensity
•Immediate attention to students feeling unwell

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all students during balance poses
•Monitor breathing exercises for signs of hyperventilation
•Watch for students attempting unsafe pose variations

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess student condition, provide first aid support, contact medical assistance if needed