Lesson 2 - Linking Actions in Yoga Flows
Mindful Movement Flows
•Year 5
•Yoga
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Arrange in rows with space for arm movements between mats
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares if mats unavailable
Have cards ready for group distribution
Alternative: Printed yoga pose pictures or demonstrated poses
Set up 'Breathe' audio track for background ambience
Alternative: No music required, can use natural classroom acoustics
Have story ready for warm-up section
Alternative: Teacher can narrate basic sun salutation sequence
Key Vocabulary
A sequence of yoga poses linked together with smooth transitions
A respectful greeting meaning 'I bow to you', used at start and end of yoga
A flowing sequence of poses traditionally performed to honour the sun
Using controlled breathing to enhance yoga practice and focus
Being fully present and focused on the current moment
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
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