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Lesson 2 - Creating Yoga Flow Sequences

Sun Salutations to Personal Flow

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Year 6

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Yoga

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use our breath to create smooth, controlled movements between yoga poses?

Learning Objectives

To link yoga actions together to create a flowing sequence
To use controlled breathing to enhance pose transitions
To demonstrate balance and stability during pose changes

Key Outcomes

Students will create a flowing yoga sequence with smooth transitions
Students will use breath work to improve focus and control
Students will demonstrate improved balance during pose transitions

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arranged in grid formation with adequate space between each mat

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares for individual spaces

Cards

5 sets of cards

Organised by difficulty level for easy distribution to groups

Alternative: Printed pose pictures or tablet/screen with poses displayed

Background Music

Audio system with 'Breathe' track

Volume set low to create peaceful atmosphere without drowning out instructions

Alternative: Nature sounds or instrumental music

Sun Salutation Story

1 copy for teacher reference

Readily accessible for teacher to reference during demonstration

Alternative: Visual sequence chart displayed on wall

Key Vocabulary

Flow

A sequence of yoga poses linked together with smooth transitions

Transition

The movement from one yoga pose into another

Namaste

A respectful greeting meaning 'the light in me honours the light in you'

Sun Salutation

A traditional sequence of yoga poses performed in a flowing manner

Mindfulness

Being fully present and aware of your body, breath and surroundings

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 static poses with stability

Current Skills

Linking poses together in flowing sequences
Using breath to guide movement transitions
Creating personal yoga flows

Next Steps

Advanced flowing sequences with complex transitions
Partner and group synchronised flows
Teaching yoga sequences to others

Milestone Indicators

Smooth transitions between poses without losing balance

Breathing remains controlled throughout sequences

Ability to remember and repeat self-created flows

Key Teaching Points

Breath should guide all movement and transitions between poses
Focus on flow and connection rather than perfect individual poses
Stability comes from foundation and breath, not forcing positions
Yoga is personal practice - encourage working within individual limits
Mindfulness and respect are integral to yoga practice
Smooth transitions require planning and practice
Balance poses require a focal point and steady breathing

Common Misconceptions

Faster movement means better yoga - correct: slow, controlled movement is ideal
Poses must look exactly like demonstrations - correct: individual bodies are different
Holding breath helps balance - correct: steady breathing improves stability
More flexible people are better at yoga - correct: yoga improves flexibility for everyone
Yoga sequences must be complex - correct: simple flows can be beautiful and effective

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular breathing breaks, shorter activity segments, clear physical boundaries with mats

dyspraxia

Slower pace instruction, simplified sequences, partner support for balance poses

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson sequence, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Detailed verbal descriptions of poses, tactile guidance for alignment, consistent positioning of equipment

hearing impairment

Visual demonstration of all instructions, written pose sequences, visual breathing cues

physical disability

Chair-adapted versions of poses, modified ranges of movement, individual pace allowances

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following and giving instructions, descriptive language for movement, storytelling through movement

Maths

Counting breath rhythms, sequencing and patterns in flow creation, timing and coordination

Science

Body systems during exercise, effects of controlled breathing on heart rate and oxygen

PSHE

Mindfulness and mental wellbeing, working collaboratively, respecting cultural traditions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during demonstrations, circulate during group work while maintaining overview of whole class

Observation Focus

Monitor breathing quality, pose alignment, group collaboration, and safety throughout

Intervention Points

Step in if students attempt unsafe poses, if breathing becomes shallow or rushed, or if group dynamics become negative

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate with perfect alignment and visible breathing, use clear verbal cues, show modifications for different abilities

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe deeply and slowly'
•'Find your still point for balance'
•'Work within your own limits'
•'Let your breath guide your movement'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m with non-slip surface for 30 yoga mats with 2m spacing

Surface Check

Clean, dry, level surface free from obstacles and debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check yoga mats are clean and have good grip
•Ensure yoga cards have no sharp edges or damage
•Verify audio equipment volume is appropriate

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Slipping on mats during transitions
•Overstretching or forcing poses beyond flexibility
•Dizziness when changing from lying to sitting positions
•Collision between students during group work

Risk Mitigation

•Adequate spacing between mats maintained throughout
•Clear instruction to work within personal limits
•Slow transitions between positions
•Teacher positioned for maximum visibility of all students

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Circulate during group work to monitor safe exploration
•Watch for students pushing beyond comfortable limits
•Ensure respectful atmosphere maintained throughout

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students remain calm and safe