🧘

Lesson 1 - Intro to Yoga & Sun Salutation

Sun Salutations to Personal Flow

•

Year 6

•

Yoga

•

1h 13min

Big Question

How can we use yoga poses and breathing to develop both physical flexibility and mental awareness?

Learning Objectives

To develop an understanding of what yoga is and its benefits for mind, body and breath
To develop flexibility and control through the sun salutation flow
To learn to coordinate movement with breathing for improved focus and awareness

Key Outcomes

Students will understand that yoga combines physical exercise with mindfulness and breathing
Students will be able to perform basic yoga poses with control and awareness
Students will demonstrate improved flexibility and body awareness through structured sequences

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arrange in circle formation for introduction, then spread out for activities

Alternative: Towels or carpet tiles for individual spaces

Cones

Place at front of teaching area to represent the sun

Alternative: Yellow bean bags or markers

Music Player

Set up calming music playlist including 'Breathe' track for mindful activities

Alternative: Tablet or phone with speaker

Sun Salutation Story

Have available for teacher reference during sequence teaching

Alternative: Visual cards showing pose sequence

Key Vocabulary

Yoga

Exercise for the mind, body and breath that makes us strong, flexible and aware of our feelings

Namaste

A yoga greeting meaning hello, goodbye and thank you for a wonderful practice

Sun Salutation

A flowing sequence of yoga poses performed to greet and honour the sun

Mountain Pose

A standing pose with feet together, arms at sides, standing tall and strong like a mountain

Mindfulness

Paying attention to the present moment and being aware of your body and breath

Body Scan

A mindfulness technique where you focus attention on different parts of your body

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic body awareness and spatial understanding
Understanding of following movement instructions
Experience with simple stretching and flexibility work

Current Skills

Introduction to yoga philosophy and breathing techniques
Development of basic yoga poses and transitions
Coordination of movement with breath

Next Steps

Learning more complex yoga sequences
Developing advanced poses requiring greater strength and flexibility
Creating own yoga flows and leading others

Milestone Indicators

Holds poses for required duration with control

Demonstrates smooth transitions between poses

Shows improved flexibility from baseline assessment

Maintains focus during mindfulness activities

Key Teaching Points

Always emphasise breathing coordination with movement throughout the lesson
Focus on pose alignment and control rather than achieving perfect poses
Create a calm, non-competitive environment where all bodies are celebrated
Use imagery and storytelling to make poses engaging and memorable
Encourage students to listen to their bodies and respect their limits
Model mindfulness and calm presence throughout the entire lesson
Connect physical practice with emotional awareness and mental focus

Common Misconceptions

Students may think yoga is only about flexibility - emphasise strength, balance and mindfulness aspects
Some may believe they need to achieve 'perfect' poses - stress that yoga is about personal progress
Students might think yoga is 'easy' - explain it requires focus, strength and mental discipline
Some may think mindfulness means completely empty mind - explain it's about awareness and gentle focus
Students may rush through poses - emphasise quality and breath awareness over speed
Some might think yoga is only for certain body types - celebrate all bodies and abilities

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide movement breaks between mindfulness activities, use engaging imagery and stories

dyspraxia

Demonstrate poses multiple times, break complex sequences into smaller parts, provide extra support for balance and coordination

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules for sequences, create quiet spaces for sensory breaks if needed

visual impairment

Use clear verbal descriptions of all poses, provide physical guidance for pose alignment, use audio cues for breathing activities

hearing impairment

Demonstrate all poses clearly, use visual cues and sign language if appropriate, ensure student can see instructor at all times

physical disability

Adapt poses for seated positions, provide alternative movements for limited mobility, use props and supports as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Learning new vocabulary related to yoga and mindfulness, following complex instructions, expressing feelings and experiences

Maths

Counting breaths and sequences, understanding timing and rhythm, exploring symmetry in poses and movements

Science

Understanding how breathing affects the body, learning about muscles and flexibility, exploring the nervous system and relaxation response

Art

Appreciating the artistic qualities of yoga poses, creating flowing movements, expressing creativity through movement

Geography

Learning about yoga's origins in India, understanding different cultural practices around the world

PSHE

Developing self-awareness and emotional regulation, practicing mindfulness and stress management, building confidence and self-acceptance

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the space to observe all students, demonstrate poses from front where all can see

Observation Focus

Watch for proper alignment, controlled breathing, and engagement with mindfulness activities

Intervention Points

Step in to assist with pose alignment, provide breathing guidance, help with relaxation techniques

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate all poses with perfect alignment, model calm breathing throughout, show modifications for different ability levels

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe slowly and deeply'
•'Feel your feet strong on the ground'
•'Relax your shoulders away from your ears'
•'Listen to your body and don't force any movement'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor space minimum 8m x 12m, suitable for lying down and standing poses

Surface Check

Clean, non-slip surface suitable for bare feet or socks, free from obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check yoga mats are clean and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Test music equipment before class

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Overstretching and muscle strain
•Dizziness from forward folds or lying to standing transitions
•Collisions during movement activities
•Falls during balance poses

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise gradual progression and listening to body limits
•Instruct slow transitions, especially from lying to standing
•Ensure adequate spacing between students during all activities
•Teach proper alignment and provide support for challenging poses

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all students during poses
•Walk among students during longer holds to provide guidance
•Monitor breathing activities to ensure no one becomes lightheaded

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess need for first aid, ensure student safety and comfort