BALANCEGRADES: K-1

Grace Kaler

Balancing is a Fundamental Skill• There are two types of balance

• Static balance – involves maintaining a desired shape in a stationary position (e.g. handstand in gymnastics)

• Dynamic balance– involves the control of the body as it moves in space. All movements require some sort of static balance, from which all controlled movement originates and is managed through effective posture and muscular contractions and relaxation

Goal for lesson

• Essential for all young students to learn the skill of balancing in various ways

• 4 different stations provide inclusion for students with different skill abilities

• Provide a safe and fun learning environment for every student

Foam Balance Beam• Coated-foam beams feature a tough outer skin for long-

lasting use and a broad base for increased stability. Use the PVC connecting rods to combine the beams to form a straightaway, square, zigzag course, or use beams individually.

• Colors vary. Set of 4 beams, each 48"L x 4"W x 5 1/2"H; 9 lb total

• Cost: $225• Click Here to View More

Balance Ropes• Thick 2" round rope provides a more challenging walking

surface than a traditional flat beam, increasing the balance difficulty for all ages. Easy to move, easy to store. Durable polypropylene rope, comes in two lengths

• Cost: 6”L, $54.9512”L, $84.95

• 4 ropes at 12”L, $339.80

• Balance Ropes Found Here

Walking Seesaw Set• Unique design makes it easy and fun for kids to build

balance skills. • Rugged and resilient, these colorful formed-wood

seesaws feature a gently sloped bottom so balancing is challenging yet not extremely difficult. Raised edges on ends keep feet firmly planted on board to quickly develop balance and coordination skills. Easy to stack and store. Supports up to 150 lb. 24"L x 6-1/4"W x 5"H

• Cost: Set of 6, $159• View Color Options

Coated-Steel Balance Beams• For beginners to advanced gymnasts.

These 12'L beams have a 4"W blue powder-coated steel surface that's textured for improved grip. Base supports of 1-3/4" OD galvanized-steel tubing include nonmarring rubber floor pads. Truck delivery.

• Cost of 36”H, $409• • More information!

Fitstats Web• FITSTATS® Education is the #1 fitness assessment,

wellness, nutrition, health and physical activity tracking and reporting system for K-12 Physical Education programs. Available for single schools or districts of all size, FITSTATS® Education is used by thousands of educators worldwide. FitStats Education can track data from any fitness, cognitive and motor skills assessment program (FITNESSGRAM®, President's Challenge, SPARK™, NASPE, etc.) but, unlike any other, it can be customized extensively to use any custom test, formula, criterion-referenced standards and/or rubric scores.

• Cost: Roughly $2000• More Information found here!

Conclusion• Balancing is a fundamental motor skill that is essential for

all children to learn at a young age

• Fundamental skills are the stepping stones for any physical activity

• The equipment used in learning to balance can be used for various activities other than just learning the skill of balancing

• Lesson plans on balancing activities can be found here