Lesson 3 - Strength Through Yoga Flows
Sun Salutations to Personal Flow
•Year 6
•Yoga
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we build physical and mental strength through mindful movement and controlled breathing?
Learning Objectives
- To develop physical strength through sustained yoga poses
- To improve control and coordination in yoga sequences
- To link poses smoothly with conscious breathing and mindful movement
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate controlled movements between yoga poses with fluid transitions
- Students will hold yoga poses with strength and stability for multiple breaths
- Students will understand how breathing supports strength and mindfulness in yoga practice
Equipment & Resources Required
Arranged in circle formation for group activities
Alternative: Towels or marked floor spaces
Positioned centrally for clear audio throughout space
Alternative: Portable speaker or tablet
Available for distribution during yoga wave activity
Alternative: Printed pose sheets or visual displays
Queued and ready for mindfulness sections
Alternative: Nature sounds or calm instrumental music
Key Vocabulary
A sequence of yoga poses linked together with smooth, controlled movements
A respectful greeting meaning 'the light in me honours the light in you'
Slow, deliberate breathing that supports movement and mindfulness
A standing pose with wide legs and arms extended, building strength and focus
A balancing pose on one leg with the other foot placed on thigh or calf
Being fully present and aware of the current moment and sensations
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
- Awareness of body position and balance
Current Skills
- Holding poses with increased strength and duration
- Creating flowing sequences between poses
- Coordinating movement with conscious breathing
Next Steps
- Advanced yoga flows and complex sequences
- Teaching poses to others and peer support
- Independent mindfulness and relaxation practices
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Coordinate breathing with movement throughout all yoga practice
- Emphasise strength building through sustained pose holds rather than flexibility
- Create safe, non-competitive environment where all abilities are celebrated
- Use affirmations to build confidence and inner strength alongside physical strength
- Connect mindfulness and body awareness to emotional regulation and wellbeing
- Demonstrate modifications to ensure every student can participate successfully
- Focus on quality of movement and breath rather than perfect pose execution
Common Misconceptions
- Yoga is only about flexibility - emphasise strength and mental focus
- Perfect poses are required - stress personal progress and effort
- Breathing exercises are difficult - reassure that natural breath is always acceptable
- Mindfulness requires complete stillness - explain that gentle movement can be mindful
- Stronger students are better at yoga - highlight that yoga builds many different types of strength
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Movement breaks within poses, clear structure, physical activity to support focus
dyspraxia
- Simplified sequences, additional time for coordination, use of wall or partner support
autism spectrum
- Predictable routine, visual schedule, quiet space option, sensory considerations for music
visual impairment
- Clear verbal descriptions of poses, physical guidance for positioning, use of tactile cues for alignment
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations, written pose cards, use of vibration for rhythm, clear visual cues
physical disability
- Seated yoga variations, use of props and supports, modified poses for different mobility levels
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development for body awareness and feelings, listening skills, verbal reflection
Maths
Counting breaths, timing sequences, spatial awareness, symmetry in poses
Science
Understanding muscle groups, respiratory system, mind-body connection, balance and coordination
PSHE
Self-awareness, emotional regulation, mindfulness, respect for self and others, building resilience
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around circle during practice for individual support, centre position for demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for proper alignment, signs of strain, breathing coordination, mindful engagement
Intervention Points
Step in if students overexerting, losing balance, or showing discomfort
Demonstration Notes
Model calm, centred presence throughout, demonstrate modifications alongside main poses, show breath coordination clearly
Verbal Cues
- •'Breathe into your strength'
- •'Move like you're flowing through honey'
- •'Listen to what your body needs'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 5m x 5m clear space per student, non-slip surface ideal
Surface Check
Clean, dry floor free from obstacles, yoga mats properly positioned
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Yoga mats clean and in good condition
- •Audio equipment positioned safely away from movement area
- •Yoga cards checked for sharp edges or damage
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Overexertion in challenging poses
- •Dizziness from breathing exercises
- •Loss of balance in standing poses
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise listening to body limits
- •Provide wall support options for balance poses
- •Monitor breathing exercises for signs of hyperventilation
- •Allow modifications for all poses
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all students during practice
- •Move around to provide individual guidance
- •Monitor closely during breathing exercises
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity if student shows signs of dizziness, provide seated rest, ensure normal breathing returns