Little Balancers Obstacle Course

Four simple balance stations the class rotates through: low bench, floor ropes, hoops to step in, and a beanbag on the head. Kids practice different kinds of balance without long waits, with an adult close to the bench.

How to play

1. Set up four stations with picture cards: 1) bench with mats; 2) zigzag ropes; 3) hoops in a row; 4) beanbags on the head.
2. Guided tour: the whole class walks through each station with you while you demonstrate. 3 minutes.
3. Make four groups of five and start one at each station. Each group repeats its station nonstop, one after another, for 3 minutes.
4. Tambourine: groups move to the next station, always in the same direction, following your arm. Repeat until they've done all four. 12 minutes total.
5. Always stay beside the bench station; at the others, a five-year-old can be the "helper" who cheers the group on.
6. Finish: everyone sits in a circle and raises a hand when you name their favorite station. 1 minute.

Rules

• One child on the bench at a time; step down onto the mat.
• We switch stations only when the tambourine sounds.
• Step inside the hoops; no hard jumps.
• If a buddy falls, we wait for them to get up.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: floor versions of each station and sliding along the bench with help.
• Autism: a big picture at each station and a gesture warning shortly before every switch.
• More skilled kids invent a new way at each station; kids who need support go with a buddy holding hands.

Learning goals

• Keep balance in different, linked tasks.
• Decide how to tackle each station based on their own abilities.
• Respect turns and station changes.

Equipment for a class of 25

• gym bench: 1
• ropes: 5
• hoops: 8
• mats: 4
• beanbags: 5

Teacher tip

Set up before the kids arrive and put a photo at each station so they won't need explanations. If a group finishes early, they repeat, not wait.

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