Static Balance Challenge

A simple balance activity, good as a brain break - no equipment. An easy way to focus on the balance skill, and challenge how well kids can balance. This game is good as a relaxation tool or a break from high intensity play.

Set up

Designate the playing area, ensuring children have enough space to hold balancing poses.

 

How to play
Step 1:
  • Children spread out and face you, as you call out various balance challenges
  • Examples of balance challenge ideas include;
    • Yoga poses, like "tree", "downward dog" or "warrior"
    • Use objects, like a beanbag, that children need to balance on a part of their body
    • Use moving poses, like "touch your toes while standing on one leg"
Step 2:
  • Start with basic poses, for example, "stand on one leg"
Step 3:
  • Progress to trickier poses, for example, "one legged downward dog"
  • Continue for a few minutes
Variations
Make it easier
  • Demonstrate the pose as you call it out
  • Let children create their own poses - move in a way that is comfortable to them
Make it harder
  • Stack instructions, for example "hold a tree pose for 5 seconds, then without putting your foot down, touch your toes"
  • Explain possible poses before beginning the activity, then refrain from demonstrating as you play to encourage children to recall instructions
Activity information
Age: 3-5 years, Kindergarten, Pre-Primary, Year 1, Year 2
Participants: 1 +
Duration: 10 minutes
Skill focus
Explore these skills for teaching tips
Skill teaching

As a general guide for encouraging the development of balance, use the following teaching cues;

  1. Head up
  2. Aeroplane arms
  3. Eyes forward looking at something ahead of them e.g. a tree
Activity summary
Physical literacy tips
  • Use simple and accessible movements for all children
  • Let your child be a yogi! Let them call out new poses
  • Use KIDDO balance resources, like the balance dice!