Movement skills/concepts

Static balance, body and space awareness.

Set-up

Mats.

Children in pairs or groups of three, with a mat per pair/group on a hard, even surface.

Activity

The object of this activity is to maintain a tight body position in each stance.

Immovable rock: One child (the rock) lies on their back on the mat with a straight body, arms above head. Two partners try to roll the rock over, while the rock resists by keeping a tight body. Switch roles and repeat.

Tip the spider: In pairs, one child (the spider) is on all fours forming a stable bridge.  The partner attempts to tip over the spider. Switch roles and repeat.

Wheelbarrow lift: In pairs, one child is the wheelbarrow who is in a tight front support position. Their partner should grasp the wheelbarrow’s legs around the knee joint and lift no higher than their own thighs (approximately 50 cm).

Lift the plank: In groups of three, one child (the plank) lies on their back on the floor with a tight straight body and arms by their side. Partners try to lift the plank no higher than knee height.

Can you see …?

• tight muscles
• lifting with knees and straight back

You could ask …

How do you lift safely without hurting your back? To keep a straight body, what do you need to do?

Variations

Standing immovable rock: In pairs, children take turns at standing in an upright, stable position – partners try to push them over.

COOL DOWN/ CLOSURE

Review Skill/Activity, stretching, and questions.