Standard 1: Demonstrates competency in a variety of motor skills and movement patterns.

S1.E6.5: Combines balance and weight transfer in a gymnastic sequence or dance with a partner.

Student Actions

Teacher Actions

The student will:

• Demonstrate how to combine balance and transferring weight into a sequence of gymnastics skills or a dance. 

• Guide students through the three parts of sequence: Beginning shape, Balances and Weight Transfers and Ending Shape.

• Beginning Shape: 

• Students stand at the end (or corner) of the mat. They may select any position they choose with guidance that it should facilitate movement.

• Balances and weight transfers: 

• Five balances with different bases of support and different shapes, demonstrating the three levels—high, middle, low; at least one inverted balance; and weight transfers of stretching, curling, and twisting.

• Ending shape: 

• Ta-da, standing position with arms extended upward, alignment of arms, shoulders, hips, feet.

The teacher will:

• Introduce different ways of balancing and transferring weight. Relate the gymnastics sequence to sports practice that leads to successful participation in the game as well as to music practice and theatrical rehearsals that lead to the final performance.

• Explain and demonstrate a sequence for either gymnastics or dance.

• Review with students the work of balance and weight transfer: bases of support, body shapes, levels, inversion, stretching, curling, twisting, muscular tension, alignment, extensions, and transitions. 

• Give students time to practice the different skills with a partner

• Observe and give corrective feedback to students to help meet the critical elements for each skill.

Key Understandings

Teacher Insights

1. Alignment: Correct body alignment is the optimum alignment of the human skeletal structure in which the body is perfectly balanced. How the head, shoulders, spine, hips, knees and ankles relate and line up with each other. Proper alignment of the body puts less stress on the spine and helps you have good posture.

2. Balance: An even distribution of weight which allows someone or something to stay upright and steady.

3. Base of support: The area beneath a person that includes all points of contact the person makes with the supporting surface.

4. Dynamic balance: The ability to maintain stability during weight shifting, often while changing the base of support.

5. Muscular tension: A condition in which muscles of the body remain semi-contracted for an extended period of time.

6. Weight transfer: Movement of body weight from one body part to another.

Tips to help students progress this skill:

• Encourage students to adjust their body as needed to maintain a steady balance.

• Encourage the importance of safety when attempting certain position.

• Have students readjust their body if they start to tilt. 

UDL 

Assessment 

• Provide the student with modified gymnastic sequences or dance routines that focus on individual movements rather than partner work. 

• Use visual cues and step-by-step instructions to break down the gymnastic sequences or dance routines. 

• Pair the student with a supportive peer during gymnastic sequences or dance activities. 

• The peer can provide assistance, guidance, and serve as a role model, helping the student feel more confident and increasing their engagement in the activity.

• Allow the student additional time to practice and master the gymnastic sequences or dance routines. 

• Give the student the opportunity to work at their own pace and ensure they have enough time to refine their skills.

• Create a safe activity area. Set up stations in various challenge levels and allow students to choose their level of challenge surrounded with appropriate safety mats.

• Grades 3-5: S1.E6: Combining Balance and Transferring Weight Assessment.pdf

• Grades 3-5: S1.E6: Teacher Rubric Checklist

Instructional Resources

• SHAPE America Balances and Weight Transfers: Building a Sequence

• OPEN Mix and Match

• OPEN Mix and Match Activity Card

• OPEN The Hip Hop Virginia Reel