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Lesson 5 - Arm Balance & Flow Skills

Mindful Movement & Balance

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Year 3

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Yoga

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1h 1min

Big Question

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

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arrange in rows with arm's length spacing between mats

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares if mats unavailable

Arm Balances Instruction Cards

1 per pair (15)

Laminated cards showing progression steps clearly

Alternative: Visual displays on wall or demonstration by teacher

Tunnel Systems

Calming yoga music or nature sounds at low volume

Alternative: Phone speaker or no music if unavailable

Challenge Arm Balances Cards

Available for extension

Only distribute to students ready for challenges

Alternative: Teacher demonstration of advanced variations

Key Vocabulary

Arm Balance

A yoga pose where body weight is supported primarily by the arms and hands

Namaste

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

Flow

A sequence of yoga poses connected with smooth, controlled movements

Transition

The movement between one yoga pose and another

Core Engagement

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

Can hold crow pose preparation for 10 seconds

Shows controlled transitions between poses

Maintains calm breathing during challenging moments

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