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Lesson 5 - Balance Through Yoga Flows

Sun Salutations to Personal Flow

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Year 6

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Yoga

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45 min

Big Question

How can controlled breathing and mindful movement help us achieve perfect balance in challenging yoga poses?

Learning Objectives

To develop balance through progressive yoga flows
To demonstrate strength and control whilst transitioning between yoga poses
To apply mindful breathing techniques to enhance balance and focus

Key Outcomes

Students will hold yoga poses with strength and control for extended periods
Students will transition smoothly between poses whilst maintaining balance
Students will demonstrate improved focus and body awareness through mindful movement

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arranged in rows with 2m spacing between mats

Alternative: Towels or designated floor spaces

PE Equipment

1 speaker system

Positioned centrally for even sound distribution

Alternative: Portable speaker or classroom sound system

Balance Yoga Flow Reference Cards

1 set

Visible at front of space for teacher reference

Alternative: Printed pose sequences or display board

Background Music

Playlist ready

Volume set to allow clear teacher instructions

Alternative: Nature sounds or instrumental music

Key Vocabulary

Namaste

A respectful greeting meaning 'I bow to you', used at the beginning and end of yoga practice

Flow

A sequence of yoga poses linked together with smooth transitions

Asana

A yoga pose or posture held with steadiness and ease

Pranayama

Breathing techniques used in yoga to control and extend the breath

Drishti

A focused gaze or soft focus point used to improve concentration and balance

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
Ability to follow simple yoga flows

Current Skills

Advanced balance control in static poses
Smooth transitions between poses
Integration of breath with movement

Next Steps

Creating personal yoga sequences
Teaching poses to others
Advanced balancing challenges

Milestone Indicators

Can hold tree pose for 30+ seconds without wobbling

Transitions between poses without losing balance

Breathing remains steady throughout flow sequences

Key Teaching Points

Slow, controlled movements are essential for developing balance
Breathing should remain steady throughout all poses and transitions
Focus and concentration are just as important as physical strength
Every wobble is a learning opportunity - balance improves with practice
Respect for yoga traditions and mindfulness principles
Safety in poses comes before attempting advanced variations
Individual progress is more important than comparing with others

Common Misconceptions

Balance poses should be perfectly still (actually, micro-movements are normal and healthy)
Stronger students will automatically be better at balance (focus and breathing are equally important)
Yoga is just stretching (it's a complete mind-body practice including strength and concentration)
If you fall out of a pose, you've failed (falling is part of learning balance)
Breathing exercises are just for relaxation (they're fundamental to balance and focus)

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter pose holds initially, movement breaks between static poses, clear boundaries and expectations

dyspraxia

Extra demonstration time, breakdown of complex movements, physical guidance for pose alignment

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of poses, quiet space available, predictable transitions

visual impairment

Use tactile cues for pose alignment, verbal descriptions of all movements, buddy system for balance support

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written pose sequences, hand signals for transitions

physical disability

Chair-based pose modifications, use of props for support, adapted breathing exercises

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting breaths, timing sequences, spatial awareness and symmetry in poses

Science

Understanding balance and centre of gravity, breathing and oxygen exchange, muscle engagement and body systems

Geography

Learning about yoga's origins in India, cultural awareness and respect for traditions

PSHE

Self-awareness, managing emotions through breathing, resilience when facing challenges, respect for different cultures

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during instruction, move around perimeter during practice to observe all students

Observation Focus

Watch for proper alignment, balanced effort, signs of fatigue or frustration

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with balance, showing unsafe technique, or becoming frustrated

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate poses clearly showing proper alignment, offer modifications, model breathing throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe slowly and steadily'
•'Find your focal point'
•'Strong legs, tall spine'
•'It's okay to wobble - that's how we learn balance'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 6m x 8m clear space, yoga mats with 2m spacing between students

Surface Check

Ensure mats are flat and non-slip, clear of objects that could cause falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check yoga mats are clean and have adequate grip
•Ensure audio equipment volume allows clear teacher instructions
•Verify adequate space around each mat for full range of movements

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls from balance poses
•Neck strain in shoulder stand position
•Dizziness from breathing exercises
•Overstretching in poses

Risk Mitigation

•Teach safe falling techniques
•Provide wall support for balance poses
•Monitor shoulder stand alignment carefully
•Encourage students to work within comfortable range
•Regular hydration breaks if needed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all students during balance poses
•Move around class during flow sequences
•Pay special attention to students attempting advanced variations

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed