Holding Still Balances on Different Body Parts
About this lesson
Children make and hold still balances on four, three, two and then one body part, and learn that a wide base is steadier than a narrow one. They finish by copying a partner's balance and linking three balances together. It takes about 12 minutes and needs only floor space and the board.
- Grade
- 2
- Subject
- Gym & PE
- Time
- 12 min
- Prep
- 2 min
Objective
Students will create and hold a still balance for 5 seconds on different numbers of body parts and explain that a wider base is easier to balance on.
Prep
2 min: write the numbers 4, 3, 2, 1 and 'Eyes on a spot, tummy tight, arms out' on the board
Materials
- whiteboard and marker
- open floor space (gym or cleared classroom)
Steps
- Have children spread out so each is at least 1 metre from everyone else, then demonstrate a balance while pointing to the board tip: eyes on one spot, tummy tight, arms out, freeze and count slowly to 5.
- Call out a number from the board (start with 4, then 3, 2, 1) and have children make a balance with exactly that many body parts touching the floor, holding it still for a slow count of 5.
- Ask them to make one balance with body parts spread far apart and one with them close together, then ask which felt steadier and why (wide base is steadier).
- In pairs, one child makes a balance and the partner mirrors it exactly for 5 seconds, then they swap; do this three times.
- Finish by having each child link three balances in order (4, then 2, then 1 body part), holding each for 5 seconds and moving slowly between them.
Quick Check
Call out a number and watch: can each child hold a balance on that many body parts for 5 seconds without wobbling, and can they tell you why their feet apart is steadier than feet together?
Differentiation
Make it easier: Allow children to hold balances for a count of 3 and stay with 4, 3 and 2 body parts.
Make it harder: Have children close their eyes during a two-part balance, or create a balance that uses a body part other than hands and feet, such as a knee and an elbow.
Good For
- Morning warm-up
- Brain break
- Supply teacher
- Transition time
