Lesson 8 - Balance Through Yoga Flows
Mindful Movement & Balance
•Year 3
•Yoga
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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
Arranged in rows with 1.5m spacing between mats for arm movements
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares for grip and comfort
Keep accessible for quick reference during flows
Alternative: Visual pose cards or tablet with sequence images
Test audio levels before lesson, have backup ready
Alternative: Teacher-led breathing cues or nature sounds
Key Vocabulary
A respectful greeting meaning 'the light in me honours the light in you'
A foundational standing pose with feet grounded and spine tall
A balancing pose standing on one leg with the other foot placed against the standing leg
A sequence of poses linked together with breath and movement
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
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