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Lesson 4 - Personal Yoga Flows: Control & Balance

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 create our own yoga sequences that show strength, control and mindful movement?

Learning Objectives

To create personal yoga flows demonstrating quality control, balance and technique
To develop strength and control while holding and transitioning between yoga poses
To work collaboratively to share and teach yoga sequences to others

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to hold yoga poses with improved strength and control
Students will create and perform their own flowing yoga sequences
Students will demonstrate mindful breathing and movement coordination

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

30 (1 per student)

Arrange in grid formation around room with space between

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares if mats unavailable

Cards

5 complete sets

Distribute sets around room for easy access

Alternative: Printed pose sheets or tablet/phone with pose images

Track

Ensure good speaker coverage of whole space

Alternative: Nature sounds or soft instrumental music

Score Sheets

1 per group

Visible to all students during instruction

Alternative: Wall display or teacher demonstration

Key Vocabulary

Flow

A sequence of yoga poses that link together smoothly

Sun Salutation

A traditional sequence of yoga poses performed in flowing movements

Namaste

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

Down Dog

An inverted V-shape pose with hands and feet on the ground

Mindfulness

Paying attention to the present moment with awareness and focus

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 from previous lessons
Understanding of breathing techniques
Basic balance and coordination skills

Current Skills

Creating personal yoga sequences
Smooth transitions between poses
Teaching and sharing flows with peers

Next Steps

Advanced yoga sequences with increased complexity
Leading yoga sessions for younger students
Incorporating meditation and extended mindfulness

Milestone Indicators

Holds poses for 5+ breaths with stability

Creates flows without reference cards

Demonstrates controlled, mindful transitions

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise breath coordination with all movements to develop mindfulness
Encourage individual progression rather than comparison with others
Model and teach pose modifications to ensure accessibility for all
Create supportive atmosphere where mistakes are learning opportunities
Focus on internal awareness rather than external performance
Use partner work to build confidence and teaching skills
Integrate reflection and emotional awareness throughout practice

Common Misconceptions

That yoga is only about flexibility - emphasise strength, balance and mindfulness equally
That poses must look 'perfect' - focus on individual body awareness and comfort
That advanced poses are better - value foundational poses and proper alignment
That yoga is competitive - reinforce personal practice and mutual support
That breathing is automatic - teach conscious breath awareness and coordination

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear movement boundaries, calming music and breath focus

dyspraxia

Simplified sequences, extra practice time, focus on individual progress rather than comparison

autism spectrum

Clear routine and sequence structure, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions for all poses, partner guidance for spatial awareness, tactile feedback for positioning

hearing impairment

Visual demonstration of all sequences, written pose cards available, partner can provide visual cues

physical disability

Chair-based yoga modifications, adapted poses using available range of motion, focus on breath work

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Speaking and listening skills when teaching flows, descriptive vocabulary for movement and feelings

Maths

Counting breaths and repetitions, timing sequences, spatial awareness and positioning

Science

Body systems during exercise, breathing and circulation, muscle groups and movement

PSHE

Self-awareness, managing emotions, cooperation and collaboration, respect for others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around room during practice to observe all students, return to front for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for proper alignment, appropriate effort levels, and collaborative interactions

Intervention Points

Step in if students attempting poses beyond safe capability or if partner dynamics become unproductive

Demonstration Notes

Always show modifications alongside standard poses, emphasise breath coordination, model mindful movement quality

Verbal Cues

•'Listen to your body and only go as far as feels good'
•'Breathe deeply and slowly'
•'Support your partner's learning'
•'Focus on your own practice, not comparing to others'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 4m x 3m per student for full yoga flow sequences

Surface Check

Non-slip, level surface suitable for floor work and balancing

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Yoga mats clean and in good condition
•No sharp edges on any props or cards
•Audio equipment at appropriate volume levels

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Overexertion in poses beyond individual capability
•Falls during balancing poses
•Muscle strain from forcing difficult positions

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise listening to body and working within limits
•Demonstrate modifications for all poses
•Encourage gradual progression rather than forcing
•Maintain supportive, non-competitive atmosphere

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Circulate continuously during flow practice
•Monitor individual effort levels and strain signs
•Ensure appropriate challenge levels for each student

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any pain or dizziness, provide rest and appropriate support