Lesson 1 - Intro to Yoga & Sun Salutation
Sun Salutations to Personal Flow
•Year 6
•Yoga
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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
Arrange in circle formation for introduction, then spread out for activities
Alternative: Towels or carpet tiles for individual spaces
Place at front of teaching area to represent the sun
Alternative: Yellow bean bags or markers
Set up calming music playlist including 'Breathe' track for mindful activities
Alternative: Tablet or phone with speaker
Have available for teacher reference during sequence teaching
Alternative: Visual cards showing pose sequence
Key Vocabulary
Exercise for the mind, body and breath that makes us strong, flexible and aware of our feelings
A yoga greeting meaning hello, goodbye and thank you for a wonderful practice
A flowing sequence of yoga poses performed to greet and honour the sun
A standing pose with feet together, arms at sides, standing tall and strong like a mountain
Paying attention to the present moment and being aware of your body and breath
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
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