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Lesson 6 - Arm Balances and Strength Control

Mindful Movement Flows

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Year 5

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Yoga

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58 min

Big Question

How can we use our strength and control to create beautiful flowing yoga sequences that challenge our balance?

Learning Objectives

To develop strength and control through arm balances
To create flowing sequences that link arm balances with traditional poses
To demonstrate mindful breathing and body awareness during challenging poses

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to perform arm balances with improving control and stability
Students will create and perform an 8-pose yoga flow incorporating arm balances
Students will demonstrate focused breathing and mindfulness throughout the session

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arrange in rows with 2 metres space between each mat for safety

Alternative: Towels or gym mats if yoga mats unavailable

Arm Balances Visual Guide

1 set of cards/posters

Display where all students can see clearly, consider multiple sets for group work

Alternative: Printed images or tablet/computer display

Challenge Arm Balances Cards

1 set for extension work

Keep available for students ready for greater challenge

Alternative: Advanced pose demonstration videos

Music Player

1 sound system

Test volume levels before lesson, have backup audio ready

Alternative: Portable speaker or no music if unavailable

Track

1 track (approximately 10 minutes)

Queue up track for warm-up and cool-down sections

Alternative: Teacher-led verbal guidance without audio

Key Vocabulary

Namaste

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

Arm Balance

Yoga poses where the body weight is supported primarily by the arms and hands

Vinyasa Flow

A sequence of yoga poses linked together with breath and smooth movement

Drishti

A focused gaze point used to help maintain balance and concentration

Breath Control

Conscious regulation of breathing to enhance focus and stability

Core Engagement

Activating the deep abdominal muscles to support the spine and create stability

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic yoga poses and sun salutation sequences
Understanding of proper breathing techniques in yoga
Ability to hold static balances and basic strength poses
Experience with partner work and creating simple sequences

Current Skills

Arm balance poses with progressive difficulty levels
Creating flowing sequences that incorporate arm balances
Advanced breathing techniques for challenging poses
Partner work and performance skills in yoga

Next Steps

Advanced arm balances and inversions
Complex vinyasa flow sequences
Teaching and leading yoga sessions for others
Integration of yoga principles into daily life and other physical activities

Milestone Indicators

Holds crow pose for 10+ seconds with control

Demonstrates smooth transitions between arm balances and standing poses

Creates original 8+ pose sequences with creative linking

Shows calm, focused breathing during challenging balance work

Key Teaching Points

Progression through arm balance levels is more important than achieving advanced poses
Focused gaze (drishti) and calm breathing are essential for all balance work
Arm balances require core strength and technique more than pure arm strength
Mindful movement and patience prevent injury and build lasting skills
Yoga practice connects physical challenge with mental focus and emotional calm
Partner work should emphasise cooperation and mutual support rather than competition
The traditional opening and closing create respectful boundaries around the practice

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: Arm balances are only about arm strength. Correction: Core engagement and proper weight distribution are equally important
Misconception: Advanced poses are better than basic poses. Correction: Perfect execution of basics shows true skill and understanding
Misconception: You must achieve every pose to be successful. Correction: Progress through progressions at your own pace is the goal
Misconception: Yoga is always calm and easy. Correction: Yoga can be challenging while maintaining inner calm and focus
Misconception: Falling out of poses means failure. Correction: Coming back to poses builds resilience and is part of learning

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear time boundaries, emphasise the calming benefits of focused breathing

dyspraxia

Extra time for position setup, simplified sequence options, focus on individual progress rather than comparison

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, predictable sequence format, quiet space available if overstimulated

visual impairment

Use clear verbal descriptions of poses, partner support for spatial orientation, tactile guidance for hand/foot placement

hearing impairment

Visual demonstration cards always available, use clear hand signals, written instructions for sequences

physical disability

Chair-adapted arm balances, modified progressions, alternative poses that build same strength principles

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting breath cycles, timing sequences, spatial awareness and body geometry in poses

Science

Understanding balance and centre of gravity, effects of breathing on body systems, muscle tension and relaxation

Geography

Cultural awareness through yoga traditions from India, understanding different approaches to physical wellness globally

PSHE

Mindfulness and mental health, patience and perseverance, working cooperatively with others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during demonstrations, circulate during practice phases for individual support

Observation Focus

Watch for proper progression through arm balance steps, monitor breathing quality, assess cooperation in pairs

Intervention Points

Step in if students attempting poses beyond their ability, support those struggling with frustration

Demonstration Notes

Model calm, focused energy throughout. Demonstrate poses at appropriate level for the class. Show patience and persistence when poses are challenging.

Verbal Cues

•'Press the floor away with your hands'
•'Keep your gaze steady on that spot'
•'Breathe calmly even when it's challenging'
•'Listen to your body - it will tell you when you're ready for the next step'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m clear space, yoga mats for all students with 2m spacing

Surface Check

Clean, level, non-slip surface suitable for yoga practice

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check yoga mats are not slippery and in good condition
•Ensure audio equipment volume is appropriate
•Visual guides are clearly visible and securely displayed

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Wrist strain from arm balances
•Falls during balance poses
•Overexertion attempting advanced poses
•Dizziness from breathing work or position changes

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise gradual progression through pose levels
•Regular reminder about not forcing poses
•Encourage listening to body signals
•Clear instruction about sitting up slowly from relaxation

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all students during arm balance practice
•Circulate during individual practice to provide guidance
•Monitor for signs of overexertion or discomfort

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, basic first aid available, clear evacuation route