Lesson 5 - Balance Through Yoga Flows
Sun Salutations to Personal Flow
•Year 6
•Yoga
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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
Arranged in rows with 2m spacing between mats
Alternative: Towels or designated floor spaces
Positioned centrally for even sound distribution
Alternative: Portable speaker or classroom sound system
Visible at front of space for teacher reference
Alternative: Printed pose sequences or display board
Volume set to allow clear teacher instructions
Alternative: Nature sounds or instrumental music
Key Vocabulary
A respectful greeting meaning 'I bow to you', used at the beginning and end of yoga practice
A sequence of yoga poses linked together with smooth transitions
A yoga pose or posture held with steadiness and ease
Breathing techniques used in yoga to control and extend the breath
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
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