Lesson 2 - Creating Yoga Flow Sequences
Sun Salutations to Personal Flow
•Year 6
•Yoga
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Arranged in grid formation with adequate space between each mat
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares for individual spaces
Organised by difficulty level for easy distribution to groups
Alternative: Printed pose pictures or tablet/screen with poses displayed
Volume set low to create peaceful atmosphere without drowning out instructions
Alternative: Nature sounds or instrumental music
Readily accessible for teacher to reference during demonstration
Alternative: Visual sequence chart displayed on wall
Key Vocabulary
A sequence of yoga poses linked together with smooth transitions
The movement from one yoga pose into another
A respectful greeting meaning 'the light in me honours the light in you'
A traditional sequence of yoga poses performed in a flowing manner
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
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