Katrina Crawshaw
WARM-UP: “Sticky Parts” – bean bag balancing exercise
This warm-up would precede a 90-minute lesson (or two 45-minute blocks) on balance. We would discover how to be aware of our center gravity when approaching balance poses. We would play with focus to explore why eyesight plays such a big role in balance. We would then work on strengthening the supporting muscles with calisthenics so that our physical balance can improve. The lesson would wrap-up with a brainstorming session into our next lesson on building our own “Personal Balance Plan”: how we can balance emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical wellness with nutrition, sleep, exercise, nature, social activities, etc. We will spend the unit working on yoga, building strength, meditation, and our PBPs. Cross-curricular: origins and cultural/spiritual significance of yoga & meditation. Appreciation vs. appropriation.
| Grade: 8
Topic: Balance Lesson 1 of 8 |
Lesson focus: Balance poses in yoga (tree pose, warrior III, and crow for anyone who wishes to extend)
Equipment: 1 bean bag per student, yoga mats (optional) |
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| Learning outcomes: The students will be able to…
1. Identify their center of gravity on their body and make micro-adjustments to their posture in order to maintain a balancing pose in yoga for their personal best time (beginning of lesson vs end of lesson). 2. Discuss balance within the context of mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional wellness and begin to develop their own Personal Balance Plan. |
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| Introductory activity/warm up (include time)
10 mins.. Run, hop, skip, or otherwise move about gym with beanbag in hand. When teacher calls out a body part, pause and balance bean bag on that part until movement resumes. Extension: continue balancing bean bag when movement resumes. Focus on making micro-adjustments in body posture to maintain/improve balance. |
Organization
Whole group participation; individual activity (not team-based). Can be done inside or outside. Need wide, open space to allow freedom of movement without risk of collision. Draw boundaries to prevent students from using walls or other props to assist balance. |
Teaching Points
Move with students and watch how many times they drop the beanbag to inform making it easier or more challenging. Cue students to be aware of where their eyes are focusing when they balance; easier if they choose a spot on the floor just in front of them. Cue students to breathe deeply. Where is their center of gravity? |
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Ensure students are aware of their colleagues when balancing and moving so they do not collide.