🧘

Lesson 4 - Creating Your Own Flow

Sun Salutations to Personal Flow

•

Year 6

•

Yoga

•

45 min

Big Question

How can I combine yoga poses with breath to create a flowing sequence that shows strength, balance and control?

Learning Objectives

To create a personal yoga flow demonstrating quality in control, balance and technique
To link yoga poses with controlled transitions
To maintain balance whilst transitioning between poses

Key Outcomes

Students will design and perform a flowing yoga sequence
Students will demonstrate controlled transitions between poses
Students will show mindful breathing techniques throughout their practice

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Spread evenly around the room with adequate spacing between mats

Alternative: Towels or carpet tiles for cushioning

Cards

Multiple sets

Place in accessible locations around the room

Alternative: Printed yoga pose pictures or tablet with yoga app

Tunnel Systems

Position for clear sound throughout the room

Alternative: Portable speaker with calming music

Music Tracks

Playlist

Have 'Breathe' and 'Hawaii' tracks ready to play

Alternative: Nature sounds or instrumental music

Key Vocabulary

Flow

A sequence of yoga poses linked together with smooth transitions

Transition

The movement from one pose to another

Sun Salutation

A traditional sequence of yoga poses performed in flowing succession

Namaste

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

Down Dog

An inverted V-shaped pose with hands and feet on the ground

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
Knowledge of sun salutation sequence

Current Skills

Creating personal yoga flows
Linking poses with controlled transitions
Maintaining balance during transitions
Teaching sequences to others

Next Steps

Advanced yoga sequences
Partner yoga poses
Creating themed yoga routines

Milestone Indicators

Smooth transitions between poses

Consistent breath control

Ability to teach sequence to others

Creative pose combinations

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise breath awareness throughout all activities
Focus on quality of movement over achieving perfect poses
Create supportive, non-competitive environment
Encourage students to listen to their bodies
Model mindfulness and calm presence
Celebrate effort and improvement over achievement
Ensure all students feel included and capable

Common Misconceptions

Thinking flexibility is more important than strength - correct by emphasising both
Believing poses must be perfect - explain yoga is about personal practice
Assuming yoga is only stretching - highlight strength, balance and mental aspects
Thinking faster is better - emphasise control and mindfulness over speed
Feeling competitive about poses - redirect focus to personal growth

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Include movement in warm-up, provide clear structure, offer fidget tools during relaxation

dyspraxia

Break poses into smaller steps, use wall support, allow extra time for coordination

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of activities, allow sensory breaks, maintain calm environment

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions for all poses, provide tactile guidance for positioning, ensure clear audio cues

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations, hand signals for breathing, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Offer chair-based modifications, adapt poses for individual needs, focus on what body can do

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting breaths, timing sequences, symmetry in poses, geometric shapes in body positions

Science

Understanding breathing and respiratory system, muscle groups and flexibility, balance and proprioception

Geography

Origins of yoga, different cultural practices, understanding of India and yoga traditions

PSHE

Mindfulness and emotional regulation, cooperation and teaching others, respect and cultural awareness

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around room to observe all students, demonstrate from central position where all can see

Observation Focus

Watch for proper alignment, controlled movements, partner cooperation, and signs of fatigue

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with poses, experiencing peer difficulties, or showing signs of strain

Demonstration Notes

Model all poses clearly, show modifications, emphasise quality over perfection

Verbal Cues

•'Listen to your body'
•'Breathe slowly and deeply'
•'Move with control, not speed'
•'Support your partner'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 4m x 6m, soft flooring preferred, adequate ventilation

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, mats properly positioned, obstacles removed

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check yoga mats are clean and non-slip
•Ensure adequate spacing between mats
•Music volume appropriate for instruction

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Overstretching or forcing poses
•Wrist strain in weight-bearing poses
•Dizziness from inversions or quick transitions
•Collisions during movement activities

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise listening to body and not forcing
•Teach proper alignment and modifications
•Gradual progression in pose difficulty
•Clear boundaries and movement patterns

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all students clearly
•Monitor for signs of strain or discomfort
•Watch for proper alignment in weight-bearing poses

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact medical support if needed