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Lesson 7 - Partner Yoga Flow Creation

Sun Salutations to Personal Flow

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Year 6

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Yoga

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45 min

Big Question

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

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Distributed around room perimeter with adequate spacing between

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares

Cards

15 sets (covering poses 1-22)

Organised in sets for easy rotation between pairs

Alternative: Printed images or demonstration posters

Yoga Cards

5 complete sets

Available for differentiation support

Alternative: Basic pose instruction sheets

Background Music

Audio system

Pre-loaded tracks: 'Breathe', 'Hawaii', 'India' audio files

Alternative: Breathing apps or nature sounds

Key Vocabulary

Namaste

A respectful greeting meaning 'I bow to you' - used to begin and end yoga practice

Down Dog

An inverted V-shape pose with hands and feet on the ground, hips lifted high

Flow

A sequence of yoga poses linked together with smooth transitions

Partner Pose

A yoga position performed with another person, requiring balance and cooperation

Transition

The movement from one yoga pose to another with control and awareness

Mindfulness

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

Can hold partner poses for 5 controlled breaths

Transitions smoothly between poses without losing balance

Communicates effectively to coordinate movements with partner

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