Lesson 6 - Yoga Mastery and Reflection
Mindfulness & Wellbeing in Yoga
•Year 6
•Yoga
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
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
Arrange mats in rows with 2m spacing between students for safety
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares for floor work
Volume should allow normal speaking voice to be heard clearly
Alternative: Natural sounds or silence if preferred
For timing breath holds and pose durations
Alternative: Smartphone timer app
Key Vocabulary
Proper positioning of body parts in a yoga pose to ensure safety and effectiveness
A series of yoga poses performed in a flowing, connected manner
A positive statement about yourself that builds confidence and self-worth
The practice of controlled breathing techniques in yoga
The physical postures or poses practiced in yoga
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
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.