Lesson Plan for Balancing

SONG TITLE Balancing
CD TITLE Animal Parade
CUT 14
LENGTH 4:08
SKILL Gross Motor Movement
ACTIVITY Balance Beam
PRIMARY INTELLIGENCE Body Kinesthetic
SECONDARY DOMAIN Musical/Rhythmic (Sensitivity to steady, flowing beat). Intrapersonal (Self-Awareness), Verbal/Linguistic
MUSIC APPRECIATION Classical Waltz

Violin, Cello, Recorders, Piano, Call attention to the graceful 3/4 meter.
CLASSROOM PREPARATION
  • Have a balance beam or a two by four board ready.
  • Have the children line up at the beam.
  • If you do not have a beam, try a tape or chalk line on the floor.

 

LESSON PLAN
VERBAL AND SOCIAL ACTIVITY GROSS MOTOR ACTIVITY

This music provides a graceful gentle background for a balance beam activity. The children are asked to move their feet and "walk the beam" in a variety of ways:

1. With your arms at your side, or stretched out wide, with your arms lifted up or down by your
side, or spread like wings.

2. Side stepping to your right or to your left, letting your other foot glide.

3. Going to the end and then coming back again, as fast as you can, or taking your time.

4. Moving forward or backward, with eyes open or closed, with shoes on or off, looking at your feet as you are walking to the beat.

MUSIC ACTIVITY

Listen to the 3/4 rhythm and move as gracefully to the beat as possible as you balance, feeling the accent on the first beat of each measure. Emphasize the flowing rhythm and encourage smooth movements.
RELATED SONG./ACTIVITY "Ball Game" on the same CD for the practice and development of motor skills.