Balancing Acts!
Introduction
Did you know that balance and coordination are two of a child's most important gross-motors skills? Or that balance skills can help boost academic achievement by building the foundation for coordinated movement, thinking and learning? In this activity, children will practice balancing a book, a beanbag or maybe even a small pumpkin on their heads.
Gather Materials
- A book, beanbag, apple, pillow or pumpkin
- Chalk for drawing lines (optional)
Note: Small parts pose a choking hazard and are not appropriate for children age five or under. Be sure to choose lesson materials that you feel are safe for your child and that you are comfortable letting your child use.
Activity
Research shows that good balance helps children develop better language, reading and writing skills. A better sense of balance also enhances concentration and body control.
Activities that help build balance benefit children in many ways—and are especially beneficial for children who are slow to achieve physical milestones, fatigue quickly or tend to avoid physical activity altogether.
Start by drawing a chalk line for your child to walk on. If you prefer, you can also use masking tape or painter's tape indoors. The goal is to create a straight line for your child to walk on.
Demonstrate the balancing act for your child by placing an object on top of your head. Then look straight ahead while walking along the chalk line. Now look down to demonstrate that doing so will cause the object to fall off of your head.
Balancing may be a tricky task for some children. If your child cannot balance a book, swap it out for something soft such as a beanbag, a pillow or even an adult-sized sock to make it easier.
If your child needs some motivation, try reading Ten Apples Up On Top by Dr. Seuss. It's sure to add some fun to hard work of balancing!
