Lesson 4 - Personal Yoga Flows: Control & Balance
Mindful Movement Flows
•Year 5
•Yoga
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Arrange in grid formation around room with space between
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares if mats unavailable
Distribute sets around room for easy access
Alternative: Printed pose sheets or tablet/phone with pose images
Ensure good speaker coverage of whole space
Alternative: Nature sounds or soft instrumental music
Visible to all students during instruction
Alternative: Wall display or teacher demonstration
Key Vocabulary
A sequence of yoga poses that link together smoothly
A traditional sequence of yoga poses performed in flowing movements
A respectful greeting meaning 'the light in me honours the light in you'
An inverted V-shape pose with hands and feet on the ground
Paying attention to the present moment with awareness and focus
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
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