Lesson 8 - Balance Through Yoga Flows
Inner Strength Development
•Year 4
•Yoga
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How does mindful movement and controlled breathing help us find perfect balance in both our bodies and minds?
Learning Objectives
- To develop physical balance through structured yoga pose sequences
- To understand how breath control enhances balance and concentration
- To perform yoga flows with increasing fluency and control
Key Outcomes
- Students will hold yoga poses with strength, control and balance for extended periods
- Students will demonstrate smooth transitions between poses in a flowing sequence
- Students will apply breathing techniques to enhance their balance and focus
Equipment & Resources Required
Arrange in grid formation with adequate spacing for arm movements
Alternative: Towels, carpet squares, or designated floor spaces
Keep accessible for teacher to reference during instruction
Alternative: Printed pose sequence, visual display board
Volume low enough for clear instruction delivery
Alternative: Smartphone speaker, no music (use natural breathing sounds)
Key Vocabulary
A respectful yoga greeting meaning 'I bow to you'
Deep breathing technique - inhale through nose, exhale forcefully through mouth
A sequence of yoga poses linked together with smooth transitions
Standing tall with feet grounded, spine straight, arms at sides
Balancing on one foot with other foot placed on ankle, calf or thigh
Standing balance holding back foot, extending forward as leg lifts
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic yoga poses from previous lessons
- Understanding of 'namaste' greeting and yoga etiquette
- Simple breathing techniques and body awareness
Current Skills
- Balance yoga flow sequence with 8 poses
- Advanced breathing techniques for balance enhancement
- Smooth transitions between poses with controlled movement
Next Steps
- More complex yoga sequences and partner poses
- Introduction to arm balances and inversions
- Teaching yoga sequences to younger students
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Model calm, mindful approach throughout - your energy sets the tone
- Never place foot on side of knee in tree pose - show safe alternatives clearly
- Use breath as the foundation for all balance work - return to breathing when poses become difficult
- Encourage individual progress rather than comparison - every body is different
- Maintain peaceful, non-competitive atmosphere throughout the practice
- Allow modifications and props - yoga should be accessible to every student
- Use consistent, calming voice throughout - avoid sudden loud instructions
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: Yoga poses must look perfect. Reality: Focus on feeling and breath over appearance
- Misconception: Balance means never wobbling. Reality: Wobbles are natural and part of finding balance
- Misconception: Breathing exercises are just for relaxation. Reality: Breath control enhances physical performance
- Misconception: Flexible students are automatically better at yoga. Reality: Yoga includes strength, balance and mindfulness equally
- Misconception: Faster movements show better skill. Reality: Slow, controlled movements require more skill and focus
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short activity bursts within sections, clear focus points, movement built into practice
dyspraxia
- Simplified sequences, extra practice time, use of wall support for balance poses
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual sequence cards, quiet zone available, predictable transitions
visual impairment
- Clear verbal descriptions of all poses, physical guidance for positioning, use tactile cues for alignment
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstration of all instructions, sign support if available, written pose sequence cards
physical disability
- Chair-adapted poses, use of props for support, modified balance challenges appropriate to ability
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting breaths, timing sequences, spatial awareness and symmetry in poses
Science
Understanding body systems - how breathing affects heart rate and muscle function
Geography
Cultural awareness - yoga origins in India, understanding different wellness practices worldwide
PSHE
Self-awareness, emotional regulation through breathing techniques, perseverance through challenges
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around room to observe all students, return to centre for demonstrations
Observation Focus
Balance stability, breathing technique, effort rather than perfection
Intervention Points
Step in if students forcing poses unsafely or showing signs of frustration
Demonstration Notes
Show all poses clearly, offer modifications, model calm breathing throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Find your breath' when poses become challenging
- •'Wobbles are normal - just try again' for encouragement
- •'Soft focus ahead' to improve balance
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 2m x 2m per student, clear of obstacles and with non-slip surface
Surface Check
Yoga mats secure and non-slip, floor dry and even underneath mats
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check yoga mats for tears or slippery surfaces
- •Ensure adequate spacing prevents collision during movement
- •Audio equipment at appropriate volume for instruction clarity
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Loss of balance resulting in falls
- •Overstretching or forcing poses beyond capability
- •Dizziness from breathing exercises or position changes
Risk Mitigation
- •Teach safe tree pose foot placement (never on side of knee)
- •Emphasise listening to body and not forcing poses
- •Gradual transitions between positions, especially from lying to sitting
- •Adequate spacing maintained throughout activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all students during balance poses
- •Monitor breathing exercises for signs of dizziness or distress
- •Watch for students pushing beyond safe limits in poses
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students remain calm and seated on mats