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Lesson 5 - Balance and Control with Hoops

Mind-Body Connection

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Year 2

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Yoga

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45 min

Big Question

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

Hoops

1 per student (30)

15 hoops spread around area for warm-up, then 1 per student

Alternative: Large circles cut from cardboard, rope circles

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arranged in circle or grid pattern with space between

Alternative: Towels, carpet squares, marked floor spaces

PE Equipment

1 speaker system

Positioned for clear sound throughout space

Alternative: Portable speaker, background music from device

Calming Music

Playlist ready

Pre-loaded and tested before lesson

Alternative: Nature sounds, instrumental music, meditation tracks

Key Vocabulary

Namaste

A greeting that means 'the light in me honours the light in you'

Balance

Staying steady and controlled in a position

Mindful breathing

Paying careful attention to how we breathe in and out

Yoga pose

A specific body position that we hold with control

Flow

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

Holds poses steadily for 4+ breaths

Demonstrates controlled breathing patterns

Shows improved focus and concentration

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