Home, Contents, Carries, Rests & Sits, Stands, Simulations - Part 1, Simulations - Part 2, Simulations - Part 3, Balances, Climbs - Part 1, Climbs - Part 2, Jumps, Rocks - Part 1, Rocks - Part 2, Slides, Somersaults, Swings, Walks, Roughhousing - Part 1, Roughhousing - Part 2
11. BALANCES
Balances introduce a child to the concept of center of gravity and show where his or her middle is.
These balances are done with the adult on his or her back. Balances in other sections of this book include: cradle, beam walk, helicopter, and rocket.
FLYING ANGEL
To become a flying angel, the child simply stands at the adult's waist and leans forward onto the adult's outstretched hands. The adult then raises his or her hands a few inches, with the child balanced on them, until they are straight up.
BIRD
The adult lies on the back with his or her legs bent and the feet up. The child leans forward onto the adult's feet, as the adult pulls the child up by the arms and straightens out his or her legs.
Once the child is up and balanced, the adult can let go of the child's hands briefly. Take your shoes off for this one. An old favorite.
PUMP
The child sits on the adult's feet and balances over the adult's knees, as the adult lifts and lowers his or her feet. This play can be done with heavier children.
Home, Contents, Carries, Rests & Sits, Stands, Simulations - Part 1, Simulations - Part 2, Simulations - Part 3, Balances, Climbs - Part 1, Climbs - Part 2, Jumps, Rocks - Part 1, Rocks - Part 2, Slides, Somersaults, Swings, Walks, Roughhousing - Part 1, Roughhousing - Part 2