Lesson 2 - Balance and Breathing Control
Inner Strength & Calm
•Year 3
•Yoga
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How can controlling our breath help us find balance and inner calm?
Learning Objectives
- To develop body awareness through balance poses and controlled breathing
- To practice mindful movement and understand the connection between breath and body
- To learn new yoga poses that promote strength, flexibility and concentration
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved balance and body alignment in yoga poses
- Students will use breathing techniques to enhance focus and relaxation
- Students will show respect for themselves and others during yoga practice
Equipment & Resources Required
Arrange in rows with 2 metres between each mat for arm movements
Alternative: Carpet squares, or marked floor spaces
Volume low enough that instructions can be heard clearly
Alternative: Natural quiet, or recorded nature sounds
Key Vocabulary
Having your body in the correct, straight position during a pose
Staying steady and not falling over, especially on one foot
Paying attention to your breathing and controlling it deliberately
The part of your body that touches the ground in each pose
Using the muscles in your tummy and back to support your body
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic body awareness and spatial understanding
- Simple breathing exercises from previous sessions
- Following instructions and working safely in space
Current Skills
- Standing balance poses with increased complexity
- Coordinating breath with movement transitions
- Floor poses requiring core strength and flexibility
Next Steps
- Flowing sequences linking multiple poses
- Partner poses requiring communication and trust
- Creating own yoga sequences
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Breath awareness is more important than perfect pose alignment
- Balance poses require patience - wobbling is completely normal and expected
- Every body is different - modifications and variations are encouraged
- Yoga is non-competitive - focus on personal growth and comfort
- Mindfulness and body awareness develop gradually through consistent practice
- Safety first - students should never force or strain in any position
- Create peaceful, inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels successful
Common Misconceptions
- Yoga is only about flexibility - correct by emphasising strength, balance and mindfulness components
- Perfect poses are the goal - emphasise personal progress and body awareness over appearance
- Yoga is too easy or boring - highlight the challenge of balance, focus and breath control
- You must be naturally flexible - explain that yoga develops flexibility over time
- Meditation is just sitting still - teach that mindfulness can happen through movement
- Only girls do yoga - emphasise that yoga benefits all bodies and has ancient warrior traditions
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter pose holds initially, more movement-based transitions, fidget toys available during relaxation
dyspraxia
- Extra time for pose setup, wall support for all balance poses, simplified movement patterns
autism spectrum
- Predictable routine structure, visual schedule of poses, quiet corner available, sensory break options
visual impairment
- Use verbal descriptions for all movements, provide physical guidance for pose alignment, use tactile cues for breathing
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for breathing cues, written pose sequence cards
physical disability
- Seated modifications for all poses, chair-supported balance poses, focus on accessible breathing exercises
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following complex instructions, descriptive language for sensations, meditation vocabulary
Maths
Symmetry in poses, counting breaths, timing and duration, geometric shapes in poses
Science
Body systems during exercise, balance and centre of gravity, breathing and oxygen flow
Geography
Cultural origins of yoga, Indian geography and traditions, global wellness practices
PSHE
Emotional regulation, stress management, self-awareness, respecting personal boundaries
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around room to observe and assist, demonstrate from central location where all can see
Observation Focus
Watch for balance control, breathing patterns, and signs of overexertion or discomfort
Intervention Points
Step in if students forcing poses, showing signs of dizziness, or becoming frustrated
Demonstration Notes
Model poses clearly showing modifications, emphasise breath audibly, display calm and peaceful energy throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Breathe deeply and find your calm centre'
- •'It's okay to wobble - trees sway in the wind!'
- •'Listen to your body and rest when you need to'
- •'Your version of the pose is perfect for you'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 2m x 2m per student, clear of obstacles and with soft flooring
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, yoga mats recommended, check for any hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Mats should be clean and positioned to prevent slipping
- •Adequate space between mats for arm movements
- •No props or equipment that could cause injury if students fall
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls during balance poses
- •Overstretching or forcing poses
- •Dizziness from position changes
- •Wrist strain in weight-bearing poses
Risk Mitigation
- •Wall support available for all balance poses
- •Emphasis on personal limits and gentle approach
- •Slow transitions between floor and standing
- •Proper hand placement and preparation for weight-bearing
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all students during balance challenges
- •Monitor closely during transitions from floor to standing
- •Watch for students pushing beyond comfortable limits
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess comfort, provide first aid if needed, and ensure gradual return to activity