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Name of Activity: Partner Balancing (Gymnastics)
Purpose of Activity: This activity is designed to give students the opportunity to create and design balances with a partner in a collaborative manner.
Prerequisites: Prior lessons on individual balances using a variety of body parts as "bases of support" as well as holding a "static" balance still for 5 seconds.
Suggested Grade Level: K-2
Materials Needed: No equipment needed for most balances. For safety, mats could be used. Foam shapes can be used for certain balances if you want to add to the balances.
Description of Idea Ask students to see how many body parts they can name that could be used for "bases of support" while balancing. The responses should include knees, hands, elbows, feet, tummy, back, seat, etc. Remind students to keep their weight over their "bases of support" and try and hold their balance still for 5 seconds. Demonstrate what a partner balance might look like. Divide students into pairs and challenge them to work cooperatively to create and design balances with a partner. The partner can also be used as a base of support. Students are encouraged to see how many different partner balances they can create.
Variations: Add foam shapes and other safe pieces of equipment to add them to the balances. Could add music.
Assessment Ideas: Move around and observe students working in pairs to see if both partners are sharing ideas. Observe to see if they are holding their balances still for 5 seconds. Pinpoint students you observe in creative balances. Ask students if they would like to share with the class a "favorite balance" they created.
Teaching Suggestions: Make sure to stress safety and don't let students get to "creative" in their balances. Have half the class stop and watch as the other half demonstrates. Switch this.
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