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.
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;
- Head up
- Aeroplane arms
- 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!