KS2 · Physical education · Year 3

Balancing skills in pairs using an imaginary prop

Health and wellbeing: mindfulness and meditative balances

Learn it. Recall it. Make it stick.

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Your learning goal

I can communicate non-verbally with my partner, using an imaginary prop to improve my focus and balancing skills.

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Balancing skills in pairs using an imaginary prop: slides adapted from the imported teaching text; recall questions created from its keywords, learning points and common mistakes. Self-check practice, with no automatic grading or XP. Answers stay on this page and are cleared when you leave.

What you’ll learn

I can communicate non-verbally with my partner, using an imaginary prop to improve my focus and balancing skills.

Key learning points

Move: executing stick movements effectively requires focusing with good balance and slow, deep breathing throughout.
Move: balancing in pairs with control increases the length of time we can balance and improves our ability to focus.
Think: listening to positive and constructive feedback helps us to improve the quality of our movements and balances.
Feel: showing integrity by providing constructive feedback ensures we support others to improve their performance.
Connect: striving to collaborate effectively to produce high quality movements shows great respect.

Words to know

balance: maintain stability and control over the body's position to remain stationary
movement: the act of changing position or location
partner: someone who collaborates or works together with another person or group toward a common goal

Common mistakes

Pupils forget to balance the imaginary stick in their pairs and create movements that wouldn't work if they were using a real stick. Pupils also lose their focus during the movements and rush them.

Provide lots of examples to support pupils to create movements while balancing an imaginary stick. Remind pupils of the importance of focus, control and slow deep breathing.

For parents, carers and teachers

Use real sticks to bring the lesson to life.