Lesson 5 - Balance and Control with Hoops
Mindful Movement & Body Awareness
•Year 1
•Yoga
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How can we use mindful breathing to help us balance and control our bodies in yoga poses?
Learning Objectives
- To show balance, control and co-ordination in yoga poses
- To use breathing techniques to improve focus and stability
- To hold yoga poses with control while using equipment
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate controlled balance in hoop yoga poses
- Students will use mindful breathing to improve their stability
- Students will create and perform their own hoop yoga sequences
Equipment & Resources Required
Place 15 hoops randomly around area initially, then distribute one per student
Alternative: Bean bags, scarves, or rope circles
Space evenly around area allowing arm span between each
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares
Position centrally for clear audio throughout space
Alternative: Portable speaker or phone with speaker
Test volume before lesson - should be calming background level
Alternative: Nature sounds or calm instrumental music
Key Vocabulary
A greeting meaning 'the light in me honours the light in you'
Staying steady and controlled in one position
Paying attention to how we breathe in and out
A special position we hold with our body in yoga
Moving smoothly from one yoga pose to another
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic yoga poses without equipment
- Simple breathing techniques
- Understanding of personal space and safety
Current Skills
- Holding yoga poses with hoop props
- Mindful breathing for balance
- Co-ordinating movement with equipment
Next Steps
- Partner yoga poses with equipment
- More complex breathing patterns
- Creating longer yoga sequences
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Yoga is about personal progress, not competition - encourage individual achievement
- Breathing is the foundation of all yoga practice - make it visible and intentional
- Balance comes from strength, focus, and practice - celebrate small improvements
- Respect and mindfulness are as important as physical poses
- Use hoops as tools to enhance poses, not as restrictions or requirements
- Create calm, peaceful atmosphere throughout - your energy influences the class
- Safety first - never force poses or push beyond comfortable limits
Common Misconceptions
- That yoga poses must look exactly like teacher's - encourage personal variations within safe limits
- That balance poses must be held perfectly still - explain that small wobbles are normal and healthy
- That yoga is only about stretching - emphasise strength, focus, and mindfulness aspects
- That breathing is automatic and doesn't need attention - teach intentional, conscious breathing
- That mistakes in poses are failures - reframe as learning opportunities and personal discovery
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Include more frequent movement breaks, allow standing during instruction if needed, provide clear physical boundaries with hoops
dyspraxia
- Break poses into smaller steps, allow longer practice time for coordination, use larger hoops for easier manipulation
autism spectrum
- Provide visual schedule of lesson sequence, allow fidget tools during mindfulness time, offer alternative to group sharing if needed
visual impairment
- Use verbal cues for all pose instructions, allow tactile exploration of poses through gentle guidance, provide consistent spatial positioning
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations for all instructions, employ hand signals for breathing cues, ensure face-to-face communication during instruction
physical disability
- Adapt poses for seated or supported positions, use hoops as support aids rather than props, focus on range of motion appropriate to individual
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting breaths in poses (1-4), spatial awareness and positioning, symmetry in poses and body alignment
Science
Understanding how breathing affects the body, balance and gravity, muscle strength and flexibility
Music
Moving to rhythm during Musical Hoops, coordination of movement with audio cues, listening skills
PSHE
Mindfulness and emotional regulation, respect for traditions from other cultures, building confidence and self-esteem
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around class perimeter for optimal observation, join circle for demonstrations and closing ritual
Observation Focus
Watch for proper pose alignment, breathing coordination, respectful participation in yoga traditions
Intervention Points
Step in if poses become unsafe, provide individual support for balance challenges, maintain calm atmosphere throughout
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: All poses clearly with proper alignment, exaggerate breathing to make it visible, model respect and mindfulness throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Breathe like you're smelling a beautiful flower, then blow out a candle'
- •'Root down through your feet to grow tall like a tree'
- •'Let your hoop be light as a feather in your hands'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 8m x 8m indoor space, or outdoor area with level surface
Surface Check
Non-slip surface essential, yoga mats provide additional grip and comfort
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all hoops for cracks or sharp edges before use
- •Ensure hoops are appropriate size for age group
- •Audio equipment positioned safely away from movement area
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls during balance poses
- •Collisions when moving around scattered hoops
- •Overexertion during pose holds
Risk Mitigation
- •Start with easier balance variations and progress gradually
- •Ensure adequate spacing between students during all activities
- •Teach safe falling technique (bend knees, step down safely)
- •Never force poses - encourage personal limits
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear sight lines to all students during balance poses
- •Monitor closely during Musical Hoops for safe movement
- •Watch for signs of dizziness or overexertion during breathing exercises
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, have clear evacuation route planned