Movement skills/concepts

Static balance, balancing on different body parts, problem solving, body and space awareness.

Set-up

Mats.

Even surface in a defined hard or grass surface area.

Prepare a set of small cards with two or more symbols on each card, chosen so that it is possible to achieve a balance from that combination. Below are some ideas for symbols that could be used.

Examples of cards and balance

• two feet and two elbows head, two hands and two feet
• bottom and two hands one knee and one foot

Activity

Children take a sheet with a series of puzzle balances and see how many balances they can do to solve the puzzle, using mats provided.

Can you see …?

• head up – focused on object
• stillness
• tight muscles
• avoidance of activities that put pressure on neck

You could ask …

What do you need to do with the body parts that are not part of your base of support? What do you need to do to maintain your balance?

Variations

Create a sequence: Move from puzzle balance to puzzle balance to create a sequence.

Work in pairs or small groups: Group members instruct each other (verbally) about how to do the puzzle balances.

COOL DOWN/ CLOSURE

Review Skill/Activity, stretching, and questions.