Body Points Balance Challenge

Movement exploration game where students travel to a hand drum and, when it stops, make balances using the number of body points the teacher calls, first alone and then in pairs and groups. Students practice static balance, body awareness and creativity.

How to play

1. Scatter mats around the gym. Students travel freely while the drum plays, using the movement the teacher calls: walking, jumping or bear crawling.
2. When the drum stops, call a number from 1 to 5. Each student makes a statue with that many body parts touching the floor and holds it for 5 seconds.
3. After each statue, ask two or three students to show their solution and ask 'Who did it a different way?' to encourage new ideas (6 minutes total).
4. Pairs (4 min): partners must add up to the called number between them, for example 3 points for the pair, touching each other with at least one hand.
5. Groups of 4 (3 min): build a shape with 6 points total and show it to the class, who count the points out loud.

Rules

• Try harder balances on the mats.
• In pairs or groups, nobody climbs on anyone.
• If you lose balance, try again calmly.
• Keep your space from others while the drum plays.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: make balances seated, counting parts touching the chair and floor as points.
• Deaf or hard of hearing: show the number with fingers or large cards.
• Fitness level: skilled students hold the statue for 10 seconds or with eyes closed.

Learning goals

• Hold static balances with different numbers of body points.
• Identify and name body parts used as bases of support.
• Find different movement solutions to the same challenge.

Equipment for a class of 25

• hand drum: 1
• mats: 12

Teacher tip

Don't model the answer: praise original solutions so students keep exploring. A one-point balance can be done sitting on the bottom, a useful hint for anyone who gets stuck.

More activities like this

More main activities for Elementary