Balancing is a gross motor skill that involves maintaining a controlled body position while performing a task. There are two types of balance: static and dynamic. Children use static balance when they are still, like sitting on a chair or freezing like a statue. They use dynamic balance when they are moving, like running or climbing.
EYLF Learning Outcomes
Balancing is a fundamental skill that aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework. It helps children become strong in their physical learning and wellbeing (3.2) and gain learning dispositions such as confidence, commitment, enthusiasm and persistence (4.1). Children will transfer and adapt balancing skills from one context to another (4.3).
Learning experiences
Children can try balancing in these ways:
- walking on balance beams
- standing on one leg
- using wobble boards
- balancing with a partner
- using stepping stones
- walking on tightropes
- walking on stilts
- and trying yoga balance poses.
Integrate these ways of balancing into your children's favourite games, like freezing on one leg during musical statues. Organise an obstacle course where children walk along tightropes (marked with tape on the ground), stepping stone cushions, and balance beams.