Lesson 8 - Creating Personal Yoga Flows
Sun Salutations to Personal Flow
•Year 6
•Yoga
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How can we create and share our own yoga sequences that challenge our technique, balance and control?
Learning Objectives
- To create a personal yoga flow sequence with 8+ poses
- To demonstrate control and coordination when transitioning between poses
- To teach and share yoga flows with peers collaboratively
Key Outcomes
- Students will create an 8-pose yoga flow sequence with smooth transitions
- Students will demonstrate strength and control when holding yoga poses
- Students will teach their sequence to another pair with clear instructions
Equipment & Resources Required
Arrange in circle formation with space for movement around each mat
Alternative: Carpet squares or towels on clean floor
Place sets around room perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Printed yoga pose sheets or tablet with poses
Test volume - should be audible but not overpowering
Alternative: Phone with speaker or background music app
Position where all students can see for timing poses
Alternative: Classroom clock or phone timer
Key Vocabulary
A continuous sequence of yoga poses linked together with breathing
The movement from one yoga pose to another
A respectful greeting meaning 'the light in me honours the light in you'
Being fully present and aware of your body and breathing
Breathing techniques used in yoga to control energy
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic yoga poses (Mountain, Warrior, Tree, Child's Pose)
- Understanding of breathing techniques in yoga
- Experience with balance and flexibility poses
Current Skills
- Creating personal yoga sequences
- Smooth transitions between poses
- Teaching yoga flows to others
- Integrating breathing with movement
Next Steps
- Advanced yoga sequences with complex transitions
- Leading whole-class yoga sessions
- Creating themed yoga flows (animal, nature, emotions)
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Breathing coordination is essential for smooth flow transitions
- Balance poses require focus point and strong supporting leg
- Teaching others develops communication and leadership skills
- Mindfulness brings awareness to body and breath
- Collaboration in yoga creates supportive learning environment
- Personal flows allow creativity within safe boundaries
- Respect and namaste maintain calm, focused atmosphere
Common Misconceptions
- Yoga flows must be fast - actually they should be slow and controlled
- All poses must be difficult - simple poses done well are more valuable
- Only flexible people can do yoga - yoga is for all body types and abilities
- Breathing doesn't matter - breath is the foundation of yoga practice
- Partner poses are essential - individual practice is equally important
- Perfect poses are required - effort and progress matter more than perfection
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, partner support, visual reminders
dyspraxia
- Simplified sequences, extra practice time, step-by-step breakdowns, partner support
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, quiet space option, visual sequence cards, predictable patterns
visual impairment
- Clear verbal descriptions of poses, tactile guidance from partners, audio cues for transitions
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations with clear body language, written instructions, partner support
physical disability
- Chair yoga variations, modified poses, adapted sequences to individual ability
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication skills when teaching, descriptive vocabulary for poses and feelings
Maths
Counting timing for poses, sequencing and patterns, spatial awareness
Science
Body systems during exercise, balance and forces, breathing and lung capacity
PSHE
Mindfulness and wellbeing, collaboration and respect, personal achievement
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around room perimeter to observe all pairs, central position for demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for balance and control, proper breathing, supportive partnerships
Intervention Points
Step in if unsafe poses attempted, support struggling learners, mediate partner conflicts
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate poses and transitions slowly and clearly, emphasise breathing audibly, show modifications for different abilities
Verbal Cues
- •'Breathe with your movement'
- •'Hold that pose with strength'
- •'Smooth transitions, not rushing'
- •'Support your partner's learning'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 4m x 3m per pair, clear of obstacles, non-slip surface
Surface Check
Clean, dry surface suitable for barefoot practice, mats properly positioned
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Yoga mats checked for tears or slipping
- •Cards have no sharp edges or damaged corners
- •Music equipment safely positioned away from movement area
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls during balance poses
- •Overstretching in poses
- •Collisions when moving between spaces
- •Unsafe partner pose attempts
Risk Mitigation
- •Adequate spacing between students for movement
- •Clear boundaries for each pair's working area
- •Progressive pose difficulty building from simple to complex
- •Teacher approval required for partner poses
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all students during balance work
- •Circulate during flow creation to monitor safety
- •Extra attention during partner pose attempts
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if needed