Lesson 7 - Partner Yoga Flow Creation
Sun Salutations to Personal Flow
•Year 6
•Yoga
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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- Complete activity instructions & timing
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How can we work together to create a beautiful, flowing yoga sequence that tells a story through movement?
Learning Objectives
- To work collaboratively to create a controlled paired yoga flow
- To demonstrate balance and control whilst transitioning between yoga poses
- To develop strength and stability in partner yoga poses
Key Outcomes
- Students will create a 4-5 pose partner yoga flow with smooth transitions
- Students will demonstrate controlled breathing techniques during paired activities
- Students will work collaboratively to combine flows with another pair
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around room perimeter with adequate spacing between
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares
Organised in sets for easy rotation between pairs
Alternative: Printed images or demonstration posters
Available for differentiation support
Alternative: Basic pose instruction sheets
Pre-loaded tracks: 'Breathe', 'Hawaii', 'India' audio files
Alternative: Breathing apps or nature sounds
Key Vocabulary
A respectful greeting meaning 'I bow to you' - used to begin and end yoga practice
An inverted V-shape pose with hands and feet on the ground, hips lifted high
A sequence of yoga poses linked together with smooth transitions
A yoga position performed with another person, requiring balance and cooperation
The movement from one yoga pose to another with control and awareness
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
- Individual yoga poses and basic breathing techniques
- Understanding of balance and body control
- Basic partner work and communication skills
Current Skills
- Partner yoga poses with stability and control
- Creating flowing sequences with smooth transitions
- Collaborative choreography and timing
Next Steps
- Advanced partner balances and inversions
- Teaching yoga sequences to others
- Creating themed yoga stories with multiple partners
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Partner yoga requires constant communication and mutual support
- Safety comes first - never force poses or ignore discomfort
- Breathing together helps partners synchronise and stay calm
- Quality of poses matters more than complexity or difficulty
- Mindfulness and focus enhance both physical and emotional benefits
- Every partnership is different - adapt to work together effectively
- Respect and gratitude are essential elements of yoga practice
Common Misconceptions
- Partner yoga is just about doing difficult poses together - actually it's about cooperation and communication
- You need to be flexible to do yoga - focus is on gradual improvement and personal limits
- Yoga is only about physical poses - breathing and mindfulness are equally important
- If you can't do a pose perfectly, you're doing it wrong - effort and improvement matter most
- Partner work means copying each other exactly - adaptation and support are key
- Mindfulness activities are boring - they develop important concentration and self-awareness skills
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, regular movement breaks, clear boundaries for partner work, fidget tools available
dyspraxia
- Simplified pose sequences, extra practice time, visual and verbal cues combined, additional adult support for coordination
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet space available if needed, consistent partner pairing
visual impairment
- Tactile guidance for pose positioning, verbal descriptions of partner poses, buddy system with sighted partner
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all poses, written instruction cards, clear visual cues for transitions
physical disability
- Seated yoga variations, adapted partner poses using chairs or supports, modified breathing exercises
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Descriptive vocabulary for movement, storytelling through sequences, following instructions
Maths
Counting breaths and poses, timing sequences, geometric shapes in poses
Science
Body systems during exercise, balance and centre of gravity, breathing and oxygen
Art
Creating shapes and lines with the body, appreciation of form and beauty in movement
Geography
Cultural origins of yoga, mindfulness practices around the world
PSHE
Cooperation and communication, trust building, emotional regulation through mindfulness
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position for warm-up, circulate between pairs during partner work
Observation Focus
Partner communication, pose safety, sequence creativity, and inclusion
Intervention Points
Step in if partnerships struggle, poses become unsafe, or students are excluded
Demonstration Notes
Use confident volunteers for partner poses, emphasise safety and communication throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Move slowly and talk to your partner'
- •'Hold that pose - beautiful control!'
- •'How can you help your partner feel stable?'
- •'Remember to breathe together'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor space, minimum 15m x 20m with non-slip surface
Surface Check
Clean, even surface free from obstacles; yoga mats properly positioned
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check yoga mats are clean and non-slip
- •Ensure partner pose cards are clearly visible and not damaged
- •Audio equipment positioned safely away from movement area
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls during partner poses and transitions
- •Collisions between pairs during movement activities
- •Overexertion or unsafe poses beyond ability level
- •Partner disagreements or exclusion
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for each pair's working space
- •Progressive skill building from individual to partner poses
- •Constant supervision and guidance for partner pose attempts
- •Emphasis on communication and consent between partners
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all pairs during partner work
- •Monitor partner dynamics for safety and inclusion
- •Watch for signs of overexertion or unsafe pose attempts
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required