​As students participated in our gymnastics unit, balance was emphasized with beam traveling, a variety of rolls, and landing stylistic jumps. Balance is the starting point for all skills performed at any level. Below are some balance challenges to ask your child to demonstrate at home! Make sure you have plenty of space and are standing near your child to help support him/her (spotter).

Kindergarten to Grade 1 - Animal Travels and Log Rolls

• Can you walk like a bear (straight legs and straight arms)?
• Can you drag your legs like a seal (pull with your arms while leaving legs limp)?
• Can you jump like a frog (crouched down with hands and feet on the floor)?
• Can you roll sideways like you are a pencil in a straight line (keep your arms/hands above your head and your feet together)?

Grade 2 to Grade 3 - Planks and Landings

• Can you hold a 4-point plank for 30 seconds (elbows and toes only on the floor)?
• Can you hold a 3-point plank for 20 seconds (elbows and one foot only on the floor)?
• Can you hold a 2-point side plank for 15 seconds (one elbow and one foot on the floor with other foot and hand extended to ceiling)?
• Can you swing your arms before jumping 180 degrees and land in your motorcycle pose?

Grade 4 to Grade 5 - Rolls and Handstands

• Can you perform a forward roll in a straight line without your head touching the floor?
• Can you perform 2 consecutive forward rolls without stopping?
• Can you perform 2 consecutive forward rolls without stopping and transition to an airplane pose without losing your balance?
• Can you keep your 2 hands on the floor and kick your straight legs up AND land both your feet on the floor without losing your balance?