Unit Plan 20 (Grade 3 PE): Yoga & Balance Flow

Focus: Develop static and dynamic balance, strengthen body awareness, and help students practice self-control through calming movement and balance-based yoga activities.

Grade Level: 3

Subject Area: Physical Education (Yoga & Balance • Body Awareness • Self-Control & Wellness)

Total Unit Duration: 1 core session + 2 optional sessions (1–3 weeks), 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Students explore yoga and balance activities as a way to improve control, focus, and awareness of how the body feels during movement. In this unit, students begin with slow breathing and simple stretches so they can calm the body, prepare muscles and joints, and notice how steady breathing helps them feel ready to move. They then participate in Yoga Pose Sequences and Balance Challenges, including balancing on lines and balancing with a partner, where they practice holding still positions, moving with control between poses, and staying calm when a task feels difficult. Throughout the unit, students focus on balance, posture, breathing, body awareness, emotional regulation, and understanding that movement can support both physical health and mental well-being.

Essential Questions

• How can breathing and slow movement help me stay calm and balanced?
• What helps me hold a balance position with better control?
• How can I respond calmly when a pose or balance task feels difficult?
• How does yoga or mindful movement help my body and mind?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate static and dynamic balance during yoga poses and balance challenges.
2. Describe simple body responses such as slower breathing, steadier heartbeat, muscle stretch, or body calmness during yoga activities.
3. Show self-control and emotional regulation when poses are challenging or when balance is lost.
4. Explain simple physical and mental benefits of yoga, stretching, and mindful movement.

Standards Alignment — 3rd Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)

• PE:S1.3b – Balance & Stability (Static and Dynamic) Demonstrate balance and stability in static positions and while moving on different surfaces or low-level equipment.
  • Example: Students balance while walking across a low beam or line and hold single-leg poses for several seconds.
• PE:S3.3b – Recognizing Body Responses & Intensity Describe how their body responds to different levels of physical activity (heart rate, breathing, sweating, tiredness) and recognize signs of moderate vs vigorous effort.
  • Example: After a jogging vs sprinting activity, students compare how their breathing and heart rate feel during each.
• PE:S4.3c – Self-Control & Emotional Regulation Demonstrate self-control, manage frustration, and respond appropriately when games do not go their way.
  • Example: Students remain calm when they are tagged out or lose a game and rejoin the activity without arguing.
• PE:S5.3b – Recognizing Health & Social Benefits Describe ways that physical activity helps their bodies and minds (e.g., stronger muscles, better health, more energy, stress relief, fun with friends).
  • Example: Students explain that being active helps them feel happier, sleep better, or play longer.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can balance my body in still and moving poses.
• I can notice how my breathing and body feel during yoga.
• I can stay calm and keep trying when balance is hard.
• I can explain how yoga and stretching help my body and mind.