🧘

Lesson 8 - Balance Through Yoga Flows

Mindful Movement & Balance

•

Year 3

•

Yoga

•

45 min

Big Question

How can controlling our breath and focus help us find perfect balance in challenging poses?

Learning Objectives

To develop balance through structured yoga flows and sequences
To understand how breath control supports physical stability and mental focus
To progress from static balance poses to dynamic flowing movements

Key Outcomes

Students will hold yoga poses with improved strength and control for extended periods
Students will demonstrate understanding of how breathing techniques enhance balance
Students will move smoothly through yoga flow sequences maintaining stability throughout

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arranged in rows with 1.5m spacing between mats for arm movements

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares for grip and comfort

Balance Yoga Flow Document

1 teacher copy

Keep accessible for quick reference during flows

Alternative: Visual pose cards or tablet with sequence images

Track

Test audio levels before lesson, have backup ready

Alternative: Teacher-led breathing cues or nature sounds

Key Vocabulary

Namaste

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

Mountain Pose

A foundational standing pose with feet grounded and spine tall

Tree Pose

A balancing pose standing on one leg with the other foot placed against the standing leg

Yoga Flow

A sequence of poses linked together with breath and movement

Breath Awareness

Conscious control of breathing to enhance focus and physical stability

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic body awareness and spatial understanding
Simple static balance on one foot
Following movement instructions and demonstrations

Current Skills

Holding yoga poses with increasing duration and control
Using breath awareness to enhance physical stability
Transitioning between poses in flowing sequences

Next Steps

More complex yoga flows with arm variations
Partner yoga poses requiring balance and cooperation
Creating own yoga sequences with smooth transitions

Milestone Indicators

Can hold Tree Pose for 5 breaths without wobbling

Moves through flow sequence with minimal loss of balance

Uses breathing techniques independently to maintain focus

Key Teaching Points

Safety first - never place foot on side of knee in Tree Pose
Breath awareness enhances all balance poses and should be emphasised throughout
Progress gradually from static holds to flowing movements
Encourage personal best rather than comparison with others
Model calm, patient energy to create peaceful learning environment
Use positive language when students lose balance - 'dancing back into pose'
Remind students that wobbling is normal and part of learning balance

Common Misconceptions

Thinking balance poses must be held perfectly still - explain small movements are normal
Believing flexibility is required for yoga - emphasise strength and control over flexibility
Assuming faster movement is better - teach that slow, controlled movement builds better balance
Thinking you must close eyes for all poses - explain eyes open helps with balance learning
Believing breathing doesn't matter - demonstrate how breath control directly affects stability

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break sequences into smaller chunks, provide fidget alternatives during breathing work, use movement breaks between poses

dyspraxia

Simplify pose sequences, allow extra time for transitions, provide visual and verbal cues for body positioning

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of poses, offer quiet corner for overstimulation, use consistent routine and clear boundaries

visual impairment

Use verbal cues with detailed descriptions, allow touch guidance for pose alignment, partner with sighted classmate

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations with clear gestures, provide written pose sequence cards, use vibration cues for timing

physical disability

Offer seated yoga variations, modified poses using chair support, adapted breathing exercises for different abilities

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting breaths, timing sequences, symmetry in poses, angles and body positions

Science

Body systems during exercise, balance and forces, breathing and respiratory system, muscle groups and movement

Geography

Yoga origins in India, cultural traditions, spatial awareness and direction

PSHE

Mindfulness and mental wellbeing, self-regulation, perseverance, body awareness and respect

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at front corner of space for visibility while demonstrating, move closer to individual students during pose adjustments

Observation Focus

Watch for proper alignment, controlled breathing, and signs of frustration or overeffort

Intervention Points

Step in if students show incorrect knee placement in Tree Pose, struggle with breathing, or appear dizzy

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Show poses from multiple angles, exaggerate proper alignment points, move slowly and deliberately, use calming voice throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe like you're smelling flowers, blow out like birthday candles'
•'Find your focus point and let it anchor you'
•'If you wobble, just dance back into the pose!'
•'Strong legs, soft face, calm breath'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m clear space with yoga mats spaced 1.5m apart

Surface Check

Clean, level surface with adequate grip; mats properly positioned and flat

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check mats for tears or slippery surfaces
•Ensure audio equipment volume appropriate for instruction
•Verify adequate lighting for clear demonstration visibility

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls from balance poses
•Knee injury from incorrect Tree Pose foot placement
•Dizziness from breathing exercises or position changes

Risk Mitigation

•Teach proper Tree Pose foot placement avoiding knee
•Progress gradually from easier to harder balance challenges
•Ensure adequate space around each student for balance attempts
•Monitor breathing exercises to prevent hyperventilation

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all students during balance poses
•Monitor Tree Pose foot placement closely
•Watch for signs of dizziness during breathing work

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, and seek additional support if needed