Lesson 2: Balance Like a Statue
Thursday, November 12, 2026
1Stretching & Mobility5 min›
March and Shoulder Roll
30 seconds, then 8 rolls- Stand or sit tall with space around you.
- March or move arms gently for 30 seconds.
- Roll shoulders backward slowly; breathe normally.
Muscles/joints: Hip flexors, shoulders, ankles
Coaching cue: Easy rhythm and relaxed shoulders.
Modification: Seated marching or arm movements.
Supported Heel Raises
8 slow repetitions- Use a stable wall or chair if needed.
- Lift heels gently on level ground.
- Lower slowly, keeping knees comfortable.
Muscles/joints: Calves and ankle joints
Coaching cue: Control the rise and lower; do not bounce.
Modification: Seated heel lifts or comfortable ankle movement.
Side Steps and Gentle Hip Bend
6 steps each way, 5 shallow bends- Side-step slowly without crossing feet.
- Pause with feet comfortably apart.
- Bend hips and knees a little, then stand tall.
Muscles/joints: Glutes, quadriceps, hip joints
Coaching cue: Small comfortable range; knees follow toes.
Modification: Seated side reaches or supported shallow bends.
2WARM-UP RUN / JOG — 2–3 MINUTESRequired›
Mark a safe route
- Mark a loop with 4–6 cones around the field or blacktop (about 100–150 yards).
- Keep the route away from fences, poles, parked cars, and uneven ground.
- Stand where you can see the entire loop.
Starting & stopping
- Gather students at the start cone. Say: 'When I blow the whistle, jog at a talking pace.'
- One whistle = start; two whistles = slow to a walk and come back to the start cone.
- Use the countdown timer below so everyone finishes together.
Pacing
Students should jog at a 'talking pace' — they could still chat with a friend. This is not a race and never a punishment.
Safety
- Pass on the outside, call 'On your left.'
- Shoes tied before starting.
- Walk if you feel dizzy, have chest pain, or can't catch your breath — tell the teacher.
Alternatives
Students may brisk-walk, power-march, or do seated arm-pumping. Wheelchair users can roll the loop or do arm circuits.
Hydration
Water break immediately after the run. Remind students to drink before and after PE.
3Review & Mini-Lesson10 min›
Review questions
- What is a pathway?
- Show one safe action from Travel in Different Ways.
Vocabulary
- Static balance
- Staying steady while holding a position.
- Dynamic balance
- Staying controlled while moving.
- Base of support
- The area under the body formed by contact points with the ground or support.
What the Teacher Should Say
Your body can balance while still and while moving. Stand with feet comfortably apart and arms open. That is a wide base. Try bringing feet a little closer; it may feel different. You do not have to lift a foot to practice balance. Keep a hand near a wall and put a foot down whenever you wobble. We balance only on the ground, not on tall equipment. Take small steps along a wide line and look ahead. Control matters more than holding a pose for a long time.
Step-by-step demonstration
- Compare comfortable wide and narrow stances on level ground.
- Show supported heel lift and a safe step out of a wobble.
- Walk heel-near-toe along a wide ground line with eyes ahead.
Real-world examples
- A controlled turn helps you move around people without bumping them.
- Tracking a ball and choosing a stable stance help you receive a pass.
Questions to ask students
- What is your base of support?
- What can you do when you wobble?
- How is moving balance different from a statue?
Visual resource
Extension
Draw or explain one cue from “Balance Like a Statue” and show it safely without equipment.
4Group Activity: Balance Laboratory15–20 min›
Purpose: Hold a supported balance and explain how a wider stance can help stability.
Equipment
- Cones
- Floor tape or chalk
- Stable wall support
Players
Whole class in pairs or small groups of 3–4
Space & setup
Create three floor-level zones: supported statues near a wall, wide tape paths, and cone step-over paths with no elevated equipment.
Rules
- Keep all tasks at ground level and eyes open.
- Do not push, pull, or hold a partner for balance.
- Use support or step out whenever needed.
Step-by-step
- Teacher demonstrates the task and checks readiness, clear space, and accessible options.
- Hold a two-foot statue for 5 seconds in three arm positions.
- Try supported heel lifts, putting heels down gently.
- Take six small steps along a broad line.
- Step around cones and freeze in a comfortable stance.
- Pause for water and one coaching cue; repeat a short round if comfortable.
- Teacher checks each student individually using the assessment cue before cooldown.
Teacher demonstration
Compare comfortable wide and narrow stances on level ground. Show supported heel lift and a safe step out of a wobble. Walk heel-near-toe along a wide ground line with eyes ahead.
Safety
- Use level, nonslip ground and clear boundaries; follow each student’s health plan.
- Choose comfortable effort, allow water and rest, and report pain, dizziness, or unusual breathing difficulty immediately.
- No elevated balance tasks, blindfolds, pushing, or lifting classmates.
Modifications
Use a broad rolling route, seated reaching within comfortable limits, stable hand support, or a wider line.
Advanced challenge
Explain one cue to a partner, then repeat with improved control; do not add speed.
Assessment
Look for safe use of support, controlled transitions, and an explanation of one balance strategy.
5Supervised Free Play & Cooldown20–30 min›
Activity choices
Expectations
- Stay inside the coned boundary.
- Take turns and share equipment.
- Include anyone who wants to join.
- Teacher circulates and keeps eyes on all groups.
- Water available throughout.
Cooldown
- Walk or roll slowly for 2 minutes until breathing feels comfortable.
- Gentle supported calf stretch: 15–20 seconds per side; no bouncing.
- Gentle cross-body shoulder stretch: 15 seconds each arm.
- Take three relaxed breaths and drink water.