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Lesson 8 - Balance Through Yoga Flows

Inner Strength Development

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Year 4

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Yoga

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45 min

Big Question

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

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arrange in grid formation with adequate spacing for arm movements

Alternative: Towels, carpet squares, or designated floor spaces

Balance Yoga Flow Reference Cards

1 set for teacher reference

Keep accessible for teacher to reference during instruction

Alternative: Printed pose sequence, visual display board

Background Music

Audio system with nature sounds or gentle music

Volume low enough for clear instruction delivery

Alternative: Smartphone speaker, no music (use natural breathing sounds)

Key Vocabulary

Namaste

A respectful yoga greeting meaning 'I bow to you'

Whale breath

Deep breathing technique - inhale through nose, exhale forcefully through mouth

Yoga flow

A sequence of yoga poses linked together with smooth transitions

Mountain pose

Standing tall with feet grounded, spine straight, arms at sides

Tree pose

Balancing on one foot with other foot placed on ankle, calf or thigh

Dancer pose

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

Holding tree pose for 10+ seconds without wobbling

Completing full flow sequence without stopping

Using breath to regain balance when poses become unstable

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