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Lesson 6 - Yoga Mastery and Reflection

Mindfulness & Wellbeing in Yoga

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Year 6

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Yoga

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Big Question

How can I combine advanced yoga poses to create my own personal practice and inspire others?

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate mastery of a wide range of yoga poses with correct alignment and breathing
Evaluate personal progress and articulate the specific benefits of different poses
Create and lead yoga sequences for peers with confidence and clear instruction

Key Outcomes

Students will perform complex yoga sequences with control and precision
Students will explain how specific poses benefit their physical and mental wellbeing
Students will demonstrate leadership skills by guiding others through yoga practice

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

7 (optional)

Arrange mats in rows with 2m spacing between students for safety

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares for floor work

Background Music

1 speaker system

Volume should allow normal speaking voice to be heard clearly

Alternative: Natural sounds or silence if preferred

Timer

For timing breath holds and pose durations

Alternative: Smartphone timer app

Key Vocabulary

Alignment

Proper positioning of body parts in a yoga pose to ensure safety and effectiveness

Sequence

A series of yoga poses performed in a flowing, connected manner

Affirmation

A positive statement about yourself that builds confidence and self-worth

Pranayama

The practice of controlled breathing techniques in yoga

Asana

The physical postures or poses practiced in yoga

Mindfulness

The practice of being fully present and aware in the current moment

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
Ability to hold poses for short periods
Knowledge of safety principles in yoga

Current Skills

Advanced pose performance with precision
Complex sequence coordination
Leadership and instruction abilities
Self-reflection and evaluation skills

Next Steps

Independent yoga practice development
Teaching yoga to younger students
Creating personalised wellness routines
Advanced mindfulness techniques

Milestone Indicators

Holds challenging poses for 5+ breaths

Demonstrates smooth transitions between poses

Provides clear, helpful instruction to peers

Shows increased confidence and body awareness

Key Teaching Points

Always emphasise listening to body signals over achieving 'perfect' poses
Coordinate breath with movement throughout - never hold breath
Create inclusive environment where all bodies and abilities are celebrated
Focus on inner awareness and mindfulness, not external appearance
Provide clear safety guidelines for advanced poses like Fish and Plough
Model positive self-talk and genuine participation in affirmations
Connect yoga practice to daily life stress management and wellbeing

Common Misconceptions

Yoga is only about flexibility - Address: Yoga builds strength, balance and mental focus too
You must be able to do advanced poses to be 'good' at yoga - Address: Progress is personal and every small improvement matters
Yoga is too easy or boring - Address: Advanced poses are physically demanding and mental focus requires discipline
Breathing doesn't matter, only the poses - Address: Breath is the foundation of yoga practice and brings calm focus
Relaxation time is wasted time - Address: Relaxation trains the mind and nervous system for better health

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Movement breaks built into lesson, clear boundaries and expectations, fidget tools available

dyspraxia

Simplified pose instructions, extra time for transitions, partner support for coordination

autism spectrum

Predictable routine structure, quiet corner available, visual schedule of lesson sequence

visual impairment

Clear verbal descriptions of poses, use of tactile cues for positioning, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all poses, written instruction cards, vibration signals for breathing cues

physical disability

Chair-based yoga modifications, use of props for support, adapted ranges of motion

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Speaking and listening skills during affirmation circle, descriptive vocabulary for body awareness and feelings

Maths

Counting breaths and pose holds, spatial awareness and body positioning, symmetry and balance concepts

Science

Body systems - respiratory system and deep breathing, muscular system and flexibility, nervous system and relaxation response

PSHE

Mental health and wellbeing, self-confidence and positive self-image, managing emotions and stress

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around room to observe all students, maintain calm presence throughout

Observation Focus

Watch for proper alignment, coordinated breathing, emotional wellbeing during reflection

Intervention Points

Step in if students attempting poses unsafely, provide emotional support during affirmations if needed

Demonstration Notes

Model poses with perfect alignment. Show modifications. Demonstrate mindful breathing. Participate authentically in affirmations.

Verbal Cues

•'Listen to your body - it knows best'
•'Breathe deeply and find your calm centre'
•'Every body is different - honour yours'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor space minimum 10m x 15m, clear of obstacles, non-slip floor suitable for mats

Surface Check

Ensure floor is clean, dry and level. Check mats are not torn or slippery

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Inspect yoga mats for tears or slippery surfaces
•Ensure blocks/props are clean and undamaged
•Check music volume allows clear instruction hearing

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Overstretching in advanced poses
•Loss of balance in standing poses
•Neck injury in inverted poses
•Peer pressure to attempt difficult poses

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise listening to body and stopping if uncomfortable
•Provide modifications for all poses
•Clear instruction on safe entry/exit from poses
•No hands-on adjustments - verbal cues only

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all students during practice
•Watch for students forcing poses beyond ability
•Monitor breathing - no breath holding
•Check emotional wellbeing during reflection

Emergency Procedures

If injury occurs, stop class immediately. Do not move student if neck/back injury suspected. Call first aid. For emotional distress during reflection, provide quiet space and support.