Lesson 5 - Balance and Control with Hoops
Mind-Body Connection
•Year 2
•Yoga
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How can we use our breath and focus to help us balance in challenging yoga poses?
Learning Objectives
- To show balance, control and coordination in yoga poses using hoops
- To demonstrate mindful breathing techniques while maintaining poses
- To create simple yoga sequences combining movement and stillness
Key Outcomes
- Students will hold yoga poses with a hoop for at least 4 breaths
- Students will demonstrate improved balance and control in static positions
- Students will create their own simple hoop yoga sequence
Equipment & Resources Required
15 hoops spread around area for warm-up, then 1 per student
Alternative: Large circles cut from cardboard, rope circles
Arranged in circle or grid pattern with space between
Alternative: Towels, carpet squares, marked floor spaces
Positioned for clear sound throughout space
Alternative: Portable speaker, background music from device
Pre-loaded and tested before lesson
Alternative: Nature sounds, instrumental music, meditation tracks
Key Vocabulary
A greeting that means 'the light in me honours the light in you'
Staying steady and controlled in a position
Paying careful attention to how we breathe in and out
A specific body position that we hold with control
Moving smoothly from one pose to another
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
- Ability to follow simple instructions
Current Skills
- Using props (hoops) to enhance yoga poses
- Maintaining balance for extended periods
- Creating simple movement sequences
Next Steps
- Partner yoga poses
- More complex balancing challenges
- Yoga storytelling sequences
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise breathing as the foundation of all yoga practice
- Focus on personal progress rather than perfect poses
- Create inclusive environment where all attempts are valued
- Use hoops as supportive props rather than restrictive tools
- Build mindfulness through focused attention activities
- Connect movement with emotional wellbeing
- Maintain respect for yoga traditions and cultural origins
Common Misconceptions
- Yoga poses must be perfect - correct by emphasising personal best effort
- Breathing exercises are boring - show how breath creates calm and focus
- Only flexible people can do yoga - demonstrate modifications for all bodies
- Yoga is only for relaxation - highlight strength and control elements
- Balance poses are impossible - break down into progressive steps with support
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Build in movement breaks, use shorter activity segments, provide fidget alternatives during quiet times
dyspraxia
- Break down movements into smaller steps, provide extra physical support for balance, use larger equipment for easier handling
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule of activities, offer quiet space for overwhelm, use consistent routine and language
visual impairment
- Use verbal descriptions of all poses, provide physical guidance for hoop placement, use tactile cues for positioning
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations with exaggerated movements, provide written pose cards, use hand signals for timing
physical disability
- Offer seated or supported versions of all poses, use smaller hoops or alternative props, modify balance challenges to ability level
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Learning new vocabulary related to yoga and wellbeing, listening skills during instruction and sharing
Maths
Counting breaths and pose repetitions, sequencing poses in order, timing and duration concepts
Science
Learning about breathing and lung function, understanding balance and centre of gravity, exploring how exercise affects the body
Geography
Exploring yoga's origins in India, understanding different cultures and traditions
PSHE
Developing self-awareness and emotional regulation, practicing gratitude and positive thinking, building confidence and self-esteem
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the space to observe all students, speak from centre during demonstrations, sit as part of circle during sharing
Observation Focus
Watch for quality of balance and control, listen for steady breathing patterns, observe engagement and focus levels
Intervention Points
Step in if poses become unsafe, provide extra support for students struggling with balance, guide breathing if students become lightheaded
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate poses slowly and clearly, emphasise breathing audibly, show modifications for different abilities, model respectful attitude throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Breathe steady and strong'
- •'Find your balance point'
- •'Hold your pose with pride'
- •'Listen to your body'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large enough space for students to lie down with arms extended, plus movement area for hoops
Surface Check
Non-slip surface suitable for lying down, free from sharp objects or hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check hoops for cracks or sharp edges before use
- •Ensure hoops are appropriate size for students
- •Verify mats are clean and secure on floor
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Slipping on hoops left on floor
- •Collisions during movement activities
- •Overbalancing during pose attempts
- •Dizziness from breathing exercises
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries for hoop placement during activities
- •Controlled movement speeds during musical hoops
- •Progressive difficulty in balance challenges
- •Monitor students during breathing exercises for discomfort
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all students during balance poses
- •Move around during lying activities to check comfort
- •Watch for fatigue or frustration during challenges
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if student feels unwell, provide water if needed, have students sit down if dizzy from breathing exercises