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Lesson 5 - Balance Through Yoga Flows

Mindful Movement Flows

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Year 5

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Yoga

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45 min

Big Question

How can controlling our breath and movement help us find perfect balance in challenging poses?

Learning Objectives

To develop balance through structured yoga flows
To understand how breath control supports balance and stability
To demonstrate strength and control whilst holding yoga poses

Key Outcomes

Students will balance whilst in yoga poses with control
Students will hold yoga poses with strength and stability for multiple breaths
Students will transition smoothly between poses whilst maintaining balance

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arranged in grid formation with arms-length spacing between mats

Alternative: Towels, carpet squares, marked floor spaces

Balance Yoga Flow Document

1 for teacher reference

Keep accessible for quick reference during instruction

Alternative: Printed pose cards, digital display

Background Music

Audio system with 'Breathe' and 'Hawaii' tracks

Volume low enough for clear instruction, creates calming atmosphere

Alternative: Calm instrumental music, nature sounds

Key Vocabulary

Namaste

A respectful greeting in yoga meaning 'I bow to you'

Flow

A sequence of yoga poses that move smoothly from one to another

Mountain Pose

Standing tall with feet hip-width apart, arms at sides, spine straight

Tree Pose

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

Aeroplane Pose

Balancing on one leg with body parallel to ground, arms extended

Dancer Pose

Standing balance holding back foot, reaching forward

Mindful Breathing

Slow, controlled breathing with full awareness

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic yoga poses from previous lessons
Understanding of breathing techniques
Simple balance activities

Current Skills

Balance through yoga flows
Strength and control in poses
Smooth transitions between poses

Next Steps

Complex yoga sequences
Partner yoga poses
Creating own yoga flows

Milestone Indicators

Holding tree pose for 5 breaths without wobbling

Smooth transition from mountain to dancer pose

Controlled breathing throughout entire flow

Key Teaching Points

Always emphasise breath control throughout all poses and transitions
Never allow foot placement on the side of the knee joint - ankle, calf or thigh only
Encourage slow, mindful movement rather than rushing through poses
Model calm, patient attitude when students struggle with balance
Create supportive atmosphere where wobbling and falling are part of learning
Use wall support and modifications to ensure all students can participate
Maintain focus on the journey rather than perfect pose achievement

Common Misconceptions

Thinking yoga is only about flexibility - emphasise strength and balance components
Believing you must be 'good' at poses immediately - stress that wobbling is normal
Assuming faster movement makes poses easier - explain how slow control improves balance
Thinking breathing is automatic and doesn't need attention - teach conscious breath awareness
Believing yoga is not 'real exercise' - highlight the physical challenge and strength required

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular movement breaks, shorter hold times, fidget tools available during seated work

dyspraxia

Extra practice time, simplified sequences, step-by-step breakdown of complex movements

autism spectrum

Clear routine establishment, visual schedule of poses, quiet space option available

visual impairment

Clear verbal descriptions of poses, partner support system, tactile guidance for positioning

hearing impairment

Visual demonstration cards, sign language for key poses, written instruction sheets

physical disability

Chair-adapted poses, seated alternatives, modified expectations for standing balances

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Yoga terminology, following complex instructions, descriptive language for feelings

Maths

Counting breaths, timing sequences, spatial awareness and angles

Science

Understanding body systems, breathing and circulation, forces and balance

PSHE

Mindfulness, emotional regulation, self-awareness, respect for others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around space to observe all students, demonstrate from central position

Observation Focus

Watch for proper alignment, safe transitions, breathing patterns

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with balance, showing poor form, or becoming frustrated

Demonstration Notes

Model all poses clearly, show modifications, emphasise breath work, maintain calm demeanour throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe deeply and find your focus point'
•'Slow and controlled movements'
•'It's okay to wobble - that's how we learn!'
•'Use the wall if you need support'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m clear space with non-slip surface

Surface Check

Clean, dry, even surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check yoga mats are clean and non-slip
•Ensure adequate spacing between mats (2 metres minimum)
•Verify music system volume allows clear instruction

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during balance poses
•Neck strain in shoulder stand positions
•Knee injury from incorrect foot placement

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise never placing foot on side of knee joint
•Encourage use of wall support when needed
•Progress gradually from simple to complex poses
•Teach safe entry and exit from poses

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all students during poses
•Monitor closely during balance transitions
•Check breathing technique during mindfulness

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess student safety, provide appropriate first aid, contact school nurse if needed