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Lesson 5 - Arm Balances and Flow Creation

Inner Strength Development

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Year 4

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Yoga

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use breath and mindful movement to develop strength and balance in challenging yoga poses?

Learning Objectives

To develop strength and control in arm balance poses
To create and perform a flowing yoga sequence
To use mindful breathing to enhance balance and focus

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved strength and control in arm balance poses
Students will create an 8-pose yoga flow incorporating arm balances
Students will show understanding of how breathing affects balance and control

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arrange in grid formation with adequate space between mats

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares for individual space

Arm Balances Instruction Cards

1 per pair (15)

Laminated cards placed between pairs for easy reference

Alternative: Visual displays on wall or teacher demonstration

Challenge Arm Balances Cards

1 per pair (15)

Available for students ready for extension activities

Alternative: Advanced pose posters or teacher-led progressions

Tunnel Systems

1 system

Set up before lesson with 'Breathe' and 'Hawaii' tracks ready

Alternative: Smartphone with speaker or quiet environment

Key Vocabulary

Arm balance

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

Flow sequence

A series of yoga poses that connect smoothly from one to the next

Namaste

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

Mindful breathing

Conscious control of breath to calm the mind and enhance focus

Transition

The movement from one yoga pose to another

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic yoga poses and breathing techniques
Understanding of balance and body awareness
Experience with partner work and creating sequences

Current Skills

Arm balance poses with progressive difficulty
Flow creation with partner collaboration
Advanced breathing techniques for balance

Next Steps

More complex arm balances and inversions
Independent flow creation and teaching
Integration of yoga philosophy and mindfulness

Milestone Indicators

Able to hold crow pose for 5+ seconds

Creates flows with seamless transitions

Uses breath to enhance pose stability

Key Teaching Points

Arm balances require patience and progressive skill building - never rush the process
Breath control is essential for maintaining balance and focus in challenging poses
Slow, mindful transitions are more important than achieving advanced poses
Partner support and encouragement create a positive learning environment
Yoga is about personal progress, not comparison with others
Safety comes first - students should listen to their bodies and avoid forcing poses
The principles learned in yoga (mindfulness, patience, control) apply to daily life

Common Misconceptions

Thinking arm balances require only upper body strength - actually need core stability and proper technique
Believing faster movement makes poses easier - slower, controlled movement provides better balance
Assuming advanced poses are the goal - foundation poses with good form are more valuable
Thinking yoga is only about flexibility - strength, balance, and mindfulness are equally important
Believing some people 'can't do yoga' - every body can benefit from adapted yoga practice

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use movement and breathing for focus

dyspraxia

Simplify sequences, provide extra practice time, use larger props or supports, focus on building confidence

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, offer quiet space for breaks, use visual schedule for lesson progression

visual impairment

Provide tactile guidance for hand placement, use verbal cues for all demonstrations, pair with sighted partner for support

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstration cards, provide written instructions, use visual signals for transitions

physical disability

Adapt arm balances to seated or supported positions, use props like blocks or walls, focus on accessible poses

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instruction cards, giving clear feedback, using descriptive language for movement

Maths

Counting breaths, timing pose holds, sequencing flows, spatial awareness in partner work

Science

Understanding muscle strength and balance, breathing and oxygen exchange, body systems during exercise

Art

Creating flowing movement sequences, appreciation of aesthetic beauty in poses, creative expression through movement

PSHE

Building resilience through challenge, developing patience and self-awareness, respectful collaboration

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around space during activities to observe all students, remain visible during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for proper progression through arm balance stages, breath control, and partner collaboration

Intervention Points

Step in if students attempt poses beyond their ability, provide support for breathing difficulties, guide partner communication

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate all poses slowly with clear verbal instruction, show modifications for different abilities, model respectful yoga etiquette throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe slowly and deeply'
•'Move with control, not speed'
•'Listen to your body'
•'Practice patience with yourself'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum teaching space 10m x 10m with yoga mats providing individual practice areas

Surface Check

Clean, non-slip surface suitable for yoga mats, free from dust or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check yoga mats are clean and provide adequate grip
•Ensure instruction cards are laminated and have no sharp edges
•Audio equipment positioned safely away from movement area

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Wrist strain from arm balances
•Falls when attempting balancing poses
•Overexertion or forcing poses beyond ability

Risk Mitigation

•Progressive skill building through staged arm balance cards
•Emphasis on slow, controlled movements
•Partner system for support and observation
•Clear instruction to listen to body and avoid forcing poses

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Monitor wrist alignment during arm balances
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure students progress through stages appropriately

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical officer if needed