Lesson 5 - Arm Balance & Flow Skills
Mindful Movement & Balance
•Year 3
•Yoga
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we build strength and balance to achieve graceful arm balances in yoga?
Learning Objectives
- To develop strength and control in arm balance poses
- To create flowing sequences that incorporate arm balances
- To practice mindful breathing techniques during challenging poses
Key Outcomes
- Students will hold simple arm balance poses with improved strength and control
- Students will create an 8-pose yoga flow including at least two arm balances
- Students will demonstrate mindful breathing and body awareness throughout practice
Equipment & Resources Required
Arrange in rows with arm's length spacing between mats
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares if mats unavailable
Laminated cards showing progression steps clearly
Alternative: Visual displays on wall or demonstration by teacher
Calming yoga music or nature sounds at low volume
Alternative: Phone speaker or no music if unavailable
Only distribute to students ready for challenges
Alternative: Teacher demonstration of advanced variations
Key Vocabulary
A yoga pose where body weight is supported primarily by the arms and hands
A respectful greeting meaning 'the light in me honours the light in you'
A sequence of yoga poses connected with smooth, controlled movements
The movement between one yoga pose and another
Activating stomach muscles to support poses and protect the spine
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic yoga poses (mountain, tree, downward dog)
- Simple balance challenges on hands and feet
- Basic breathing techniques and body awareness
Current Skills
- Arm balance progressions from supported to independent
- Creating flowing sequences with smooth transitions
- Advanced breathing techniques during challenging poses
Next Steps
- More complex arm balances (crow, side crow)
- Teaching leadership roles in yoga practice
- Advanced flow creation with multiple arm balances
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Arm balances require progression through stages - never skip steps for safety
- Slow, controlled transitions build stability and strength more than quick movements
- Partner support creates safe learning environment and builds confidence
- Breathing awareness must be maintained even during challenging poses
- Falling out of poses is normal learning - encourage return to progression start
- Flow creation connects individual skills into meaningful sequences
- Mindful observation during sharing develops appreciation and learning
Common Misconceptions
- Arm balances are about jumping into poses - correct with slow progression emphasis
- Stronger students should always attempt hardest variations - focus on quality over difficulty
- Breathing becomes less important during challenging poses - reinforce breath awareness throughout
- Partner work is about competition - emphasise cooperation and mutual support
- Falling out of poses means failure - normalize as part of learning process
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Clear progression cards to maintain focus, partner system for accountability, movement breaks during longer practices
dyspraxia
- Simplified arm balance progressions, extra time for coordination development, verbal counting support for breathing
autism spectrum
- Clear structure with arm balance cards, predictable progression system, quiet space available if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Detailed verbal descriptions of arm balance positions, tactile guidance for hand placement, partner support for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstration of all progressions, written instruction cards, hand signals for breath counting
physical disability
- Modified arm balances using forearms or props, seated balance challenges, adapted breathing exercises
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting breaths systematically, measuring time for pose holds, geometric understanding of body positions and angles
Science
Understanding body systems - how muscles work together for balance, breathing and oxygen supply during exercise, forces and gravity in arm balances
Art
Creating flowing sequences as movement art, understanding balance and symmetry in poses, appreciating beauty in movement
PSHE
Patience and perseverance, supporting others, managing challenging emotions, building confidence through achievement
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move throughout space during partner work, central position for demonstrations, close proximity during arm balance practice
Observation Focus
Watch for wrist alignment, controlled progressions, partner support quality, breathing maintenance during challenges
Intervention Points
Step in if progressions skipped, unsafe arm balance attempts, partner conflicts, signs of overexertion
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: All arm balance progressions clearly, show modifications for different abilities, model mindful breathing throughout challenges
Verbal Cues
- •'Strong arms like tree branches'
- •'Breathe like you're smelling flowers'
- •'Slow and steady builds true strength'
- •'Feel your roots growing into the earth'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 8m x 12m clear space for movement, arm balance practice, and demonstrations
Surface Check
Non-slip surface essential for arm balances, mats properly positioned to prevent sliding
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Yoga mats checked for wear and proper grip
- •Arm balance cards laminated to prevent paper cuts
- •Audio equipment positioned safely away from movement area
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Wrist strain from improper arm balance technique
- •Falls during arm balance attempts
- •Overexertion trying advanced poses too quickly
- •Collision during movement warm-up phase
Risk Mitigation
- •Mandatory wrist and shoulder warm-up before arm balances
- •Strict progression through card stages before advancing
- •Partner spotting system during arm balance practice
- •Clear boundaries established for movement activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Close monitoring during arm balance attempts for safety
- •Circulation during partner work to ensure proper spotting
- •Position for visibility during flow demonstrations
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately for any wrist pain, provide first aid for falls, alternative positions for students unable to continue