Minds On
I like to move it!
Balance is the ability to be in control of our bodies while doing a task, such as sitting, riding a bike, or even going downstairs.
Developing good balance is important in everyone’s lives. There are many different times that one needs to balance.
Static balance means no moving, like playing freeze dance.
And on the other hand, dynamic balance is keeping a controlled balance while moving. Examples of dynamic balance include, rollerblading, skating, moving up the stairs, and many more!
Which one?
Let’s explore the following images. Which balance is static? Which balance is dynamic?
Select the correct answer, then press “Check Answer” to see how you did.
Action
Balances
Static balance is a skill where the body maintains a pose while being still.
Dynamic balance is a skill where the body is balanced and controlled while moving around.
Activities like biking, climbing, and crawling strengthen the core muscles, which are the abs and back muscles that support the spine to keep the body balanced and stable.
But first, let’s start with a warmup!
Safety
Before you begin:
Warm Up
Balance it out
For our warm-up activity, let’s pretend to be animals, and practise a few static poses.
- Pick two animals that you like.
- Move around the space as your first animal, then pause to hold a static balance.
- Shift into another static balance pose of your second animal.
While balancing, consider:
- keeping your body tight and in control
- concentrate and focus
- be aware of how your body feels
Optional: Try balancing while listening to music of your choice.
Static balances
There are many types of static balances like one-point or two-point.
Press each tab to explore the various types of static balances.
A one-point balance uses your feet and/or hands. Since it is “one-point,” this balance uses only one foot or hand to remain on the ground, while holding a balance pose.
For example, holding one leg while using the wall as support is a one-point balance.
Two-point balances use your feet and/or hands. Since it is “two-point,” this balance is demonstrated with either both feet, both hands, or one foot and one hand on the ground.
For example, stretching out your arms with both feet on the ground is a two-point balance.
Three-point balances use your feet and/or hands. Since it is “three-point,” this balance uses a combination with the feet and hands supporting the body to hold a balance pose.
For example, balancing with one leg and both hands on the ground while the other leg is slightly raised is a three-point balance.
Let’s examine a few more static balances:
Three children doing static balances. The first child is doing a lunge with their arms stretched out wide. The second child has their left leg straight and their right leg bent with their foot against the side of their left leg. Their arms are bent and pressed together. The third child has their legs spread apart and their arms are straight. They are bending over to one side, with one hand almost touching their foot and their arm pointing straight up.
Static Balances
A child doing a 3-point static balance. They are bent over with their palms flat on the ground and their face looking at the floor. Their left leg is on the floor and is straight. Their left foot is arched slightly. Their right leg is lifted and pointing towards the ceiling.
3-point Static Balance
Three children doing 2-point static balances. The first child is kneeling with their right knee on the ground and their left foot on the ground with their knee bent. Their left arm is resting on the thigh of their leg. The second child is standing up straight, with their arms out to the side. The third child is standing with their feet shoulder width apart. Their arms are over their head and slightly bent. Their palms are pressed together.
2-point Static Balance
Three children doing 1-point static balances. The first child is standing with their left leg straight and their right leg is bent and resting on a stool. Their hands are at their waist. The second child has their left leg bent and resting on a soccer ball. The third child stands on their right leg with their hands at their waist. Their left leg is lifted off of the floor and bent at the knee.
1-point Static Balances
Balance strategies
Let’s also explore these balance strategies:
- keep your body tight or controlled
- focus straight ahead on something in front of you (e.g., a stationary object like the wall)
- keep your head up
- remain still with support hand/foot flat on the ground
- relax and hold the position for at least three seconds
Task 1: Balance and pick-up
Time to practise our balancing. Pick one of the following options.
Always be sure to do your safety checks!
Option 1
Press the tabs to access the steps for this activity.
- tape and/or string
- soft objects (beanbags, sock balls, or crumpled paper)
Panelled image showing the following: taped zigzag lines on the ground, beanbags scattered around the lines, a kid walking heel to toe (one foot in front of other), a kid balancing on one leg while picking up a beanbag.
- Use tape and/or string to create zigzag lines on the ground.
- Scatter soft objects (beanbags or crumpled paper) around these lines.
- If possible, practise a balance (e.g., walking heel to toe, crawling, scooting, etc.) as you move towards the objects along the lines.
Explore the video for an example of walking heel to toe.
- When you are near an object, hold a balance of your choice.
- Then, safely bend down in the balance to pick it up.
Repeat steps 3 to 5 until most objects are collected.
Option 2
Press the tabs to access the steps for this activity.
- tape or string
- soft objects (beanbags, sock balls, or crumpled paper)
Panelled image showing the following: taped zigzag lines on the ground, beanbags scattered around the lines, a kid with their hands in front of them doing a wrist to finger balance, a kid reaching for the object.
- Use tape or string to create zigzag lines on the ground. You may have a peer/adult help set these lines up.
- Scatter soft objects (beanbags or sock balls) around these lines.
- If possible, place your hands in front of you, and practice a wrist to finger balance as a peer/adult assists you to move towards the objects along the lines.
- When you are near an object, choose a balance of your choice and hold it.
- Then, if possible, safely relax from the balance hold, and pick the object up. Or, you may have a peer/adult help pick the object up.
- Balance the object in your lap, while you practise the wrist to finger balance, and move towards the next object.
Repeat steps 3 to 6 until most objects are collected.
Pause and Reflect
Pause and reflect
Reflect on the following questions:
- How did you change your balance?
- What did you do to hold your body steady in each pose?
Record your ideas in a notebook or another method of your choice.
Task 2: Challenge yourself
It’s time for a challenge!
Challenge yourself to use different and unique balances while moving in different directions (e.g., forwards or sideways).
Check out the following videos to explore the various balances in different directions.
Pick one of the following options to practise your balances.
Always be sure to do your safety checks!
Option 1
Press the tabs to access the steps for this activity.
- 2 plastic/safe cups
- a spoon
- small objects (mini erasers, candies, coins, or buttons)
Panelled image showing all the steps: 1 empty cup and 1 cup filled with buttons, both of the cups on opposite sides of a table, a hand using the spoon to scoop up the buttons, A child moving sideways as they hold the spoon, a hand putting the buttons into the empty cup.
- Fill up one cup with the small objects. Keep the other cup empty. You may have a peer/adult help set these up.
- Place cups on opposite sides of a table or desk.
- Use the spoon and scoop up the small objects from the filled cup.
- While holding the spoon, choose a balance of your choice, and hold it for 5 seconds. Try your best not to drop the small objects while doing your balance. If the objects fall, try it again!
- Then, safely relax from the balance hold, and place the small objects into the empty cup.
Repeat steps 3 to 5 until most objects are scooped up.
Option 2
Press the tabs to access the steps for this activity.
- 2 plastic/safe cups
- a spoon
- small objects (mini erasers, candies, coins, or buttons)
Panelled image showing all the steps: 1 empty cup and 1 cut filled with buttons, both of the cups on opposite sides of a room, a hand using the spoon to scoop up the buttons, A child moving across the room sideways as they hold the spoon, a hand putting the buttons into the empty cup.
- Fill up one cup with the small objects. Keep the other cup empty. You may have a peer/adult help set these up.
- Place cups on opposite sides of a room.
- Use the spoon and scoop up the small objects from the filled cup.
- While holding the spoon, choose a balance of your choice, and hold it for 5 seconds. Try your best not to drop the small objects while doing your balance. If the objects fall, try it again!
- Then, safely relax from the balance hold, and move across the room to the empty cup.
- Place the small objects into the empty cup.
Repeat steps 3 to 6 until most objects are scooped up.
Move with the flow
A flow is performing one balance, and then moving into another balance. Flows, also known as transitions, are mostly used in yoga, dance, swimming, running, rock climbing, and many more activities!
Explore the following mountain pose to a tree pose.
- What do you notice about each pose?
- How do you think each pose flows from one to another?
Record your ideas in a notebook or another method of your choice.
Cool Down
Let's flow!
We’ll cool down with a few yoga poses and their flows!
Choose either or both options to try for this activity.
Always be sure to do your safety checks!
Explore this audio recording to learn how to do Hero Chair Pose.
Hero Chair Pose
Explore this audio recording to learn how to do Child Chair Pose.
Child Chair Pose
Option 2: Warrior 2 pose to crescent moon pose
Learner standing with legs apart. Back foot is facing slightly outwards. Front knee is bent. Arms are parallel to the ground. Head is facing forward.
Explore this audio recording to learn how to do Warrior Pose.
Warrior Pose
Learner standing up straight with legs slightly apart. Hands are raised over head with palms pressed together. Body is bend to one side slightly.
Explore this audio recording to learn how to do Crescent Moon Pose.
Crescent Moon Pose
Consolidation
Game time!
Now, let’s create a game!
Create a game to demonstrate what we’ve learned about different balances and flows throughout this learning activity.
You may also use the previous activities in the Action section as prompting ideas for your game.
Consider the following checklist as you design your game:
Complete the Game Time Activity in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. If you would like, you can use speech-to-text or audio recording tools to record your thoughts.
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Objective: |
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Instructions: |
My balances: |
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My flows: |
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Materials (optional): |
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Press the ‘Activity’ button to access Game Time Activity.
If possible, after creating your balancing game, share and play it with a peer/adult.
Learning check!
Static balance is when the body maintains a desired shape in a stationary position. In other words, the body isn’t moving, like playing freeze dance.
Dynamic balance is when the body is in a controlled balance while moving, like rollerblading, walking, and climbing.
Let’s review our static and dynamic balances!
Select the correct answer, then press “Check Answer” to see how you did.
Reflection
How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity? Which of the next four sentences best matches how you are feeling about your learning? Press the button that is beside this sentence.
I feel…
Now, record your ideas about your feelings using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.
Press ‘Discover More’ to extend your skills.
Discover More