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Lesson 5 - Balance and Control with Hoops

Mindful Movement & Body Awareness

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Year 1

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Yoga

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49 min

Big Question

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

Hoops

1 per student (30)

Place 15 hoops randomly around area initially, then distribute one per student

Alternative: Bean bags, scarves, or rope circles

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Space evenly around area allowing arm span between each

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares

PE Equipment

1 sound system

Position centrally for clear audio throughout space

Alternative: Portable speaker or phone with speaker

Track

1 track

Test volume before lesson - should be calming background level

Alternative: Nature sounds or calm instrumental music

Key Vocabulary

Namaste

A greeting meaning 'the light in me honours the light in you'

Balance

Staying steady and controlled in one position

Mindful breathing

Paying attention to how we breathe in and out

Yoga pose

A special position we hold with our body in yoga

Flow

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

Can hold tree pose with hoop for 10 seconds

Demonstrates controlled breathing in all poses

Shows creativity in pose variations

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