Lesson 3 - Strength Through Yoga Flows
Mindful Movement Flows
•Year 5
•Yoga
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How can we use yoga flows to build physical and mental strength while moving with control and grace?
Learning Objectives
- To develop strength through controlled yoga flows and poses
- To improve coordination by linking poses with fluid transitions
- To enhance mindfulness and breathing techniques during yoga practice
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate strength and control in individual yoga poses
- Students will create smooth, controlled transitions between poses in a flow sequence
- Students will show improved focus and mindfulness through breathing exercises
Equipment & Resources Required
Arrange in circle formation with space for movement between mats
Alternative: Carpet squares, towels, or marked floor spaces
Keep sets easily accessible around the room perimeter
Alternative: Printed pose pictures, tablet with yoga app, demonstration posters
Test audio levels before lesson - should enhance not distract
Alternative: Bluetooth speaker, tablet with speakers, no music (silent practice)
Key Vocabulary
A greeting that means 'I bow to you' - showing respect in yoga practice
Moving smoothly from one yoga pose to another with control
Using slow, deep breathing to help focus and strengthen poses
A strong standing pose that builds leg strength and focus
A balancing pose where one foot is placed on the standing leg
Paying careful attention to the present moment and your feelings
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic body awareness and balance
- Simple stretching movements
- Following basic instructions
- Understanding of breathing patterns
Current Skills
- Controlled yoga pose holds
- Fluid transitions between poses
- Mindful breathing techniques
- Strength building through static holds
Next Steps
- Complex yoga flow sequences
- Advanced balancing poses
- Self-directed practice and reflection
- Teaching poses to others
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always prioritise alignment and safety over achieving perfect pose appearance
- Encourage breath awareness throughout all activities - never hold breath during poses
- Foster positive self-talk through the 'I Am' affirmations and personal reflection
- Model mindfulness and calm presence yourself to create the right atmosphere
- Emphasise that yoga is non-competitive and everyone's practice is unique
- Use the transitional movements as learning opportunities for control and coordination
- Connect physical strength building to mental and emotional strength development
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: Yoga poses must look exactly like pictures. Truth: Individual bodies are different, modifications are normal
- Misconception: Flexibility is more important than strength. Truth: Yoga builds both strength and flexibility together
- Misconception: You must be silent during yoga. Truth: Communication and encouragement are part of group practice
- Misconception: Breathing exercises are easy. Truth: Controlled breathing takes practice and concentration
- Misconception: Yoga is only about physical poses. Truth: Mindfulness and emotional awareness are equally important
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Include movement breaks, use shorter sequences initially, provide clear visual boundaries
dyspraxia
- Break down poses into smaller steps, use wall support, allow extra time for coordination
autism spectrum
- Provide visual schedule of sequence, offer quiet space if needed, use consistent routine structure
visual impairment
- Use verbal descriptions of poses, allow tactile exploration of positions, provide audio cues for breathing
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations, written pose cards, hand signals for breathing cues
physical disability
- Offer seated versions of poses, use chair support, adapt poses for individual mobility
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Learning new vocabulary, expressing feelings and experiences, listening and speaking skills
Maths
Counting breaths, understanding patterns in sequences, symmetry in poses and movements
Science
Understanding how muscles work and strengthen through controlled exercise, learning about breathing and lung capacity
PSHE
Developing self-awareness, emotional regulation, respect for others, and mindfulness practices
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the circle to observe all students, position at 12 o'clock for demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for proper alignment, breath coordination, and signs of strain or fatigue
Intervention Points
Step in if students forcing poses, showing poor alignment, or appearing distressed
Demonstration Notes
Model every pose with perfect alignment, speak in calm, encouraging tone throughout, show modifications for different abilities
Verbal Cues
- •'Breathe deeply and slowly'
- •'Only go as far as feels comfortable'
- •'Strong and steady like a mountain'
- •'Soft gaze, relaxed shoulders'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 4m x 4m clear space per student for full movement, non-slip surface essential
Surface Check
Yoga mats properly positioned, no gaps or overlaps, dry and clean surface
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Yoga mats checked for wear and cleanliness
- •Pose cards have no sharp edges or tears
- •Audio equipment positioned safely away from movement area
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Strains from forcing poses beyond ability
- •Falls during balancing poses
- •Wrist strain in weight-bearing poses
- •Dizziness from breathing exercises
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise never forcing poses
- •Provide wall support for balance poses
- •Teach proper wrist alignment
- •Monitor breathing exercises carefully
- •Encourage rest when needed
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all students during pose practice
- •Move around during flows to check alignment
- •Monitor breathing exercises for any distress
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess need for first aid, ensure student sits safely before providing care