Balance and Coordination
What is balance and coordination?
Balance is the ability to maintain a controlled body position during task performance, whether it is sitting at a table, walking the balance beam or stepping up onto a curb. To function effectively across environments and tasks, we need the ability to maintain controlled positions during both static (still) and dynamic (moving) activities.
Static balance is the ability to hold a stationary position with control (e.g. “Freeze” or “statue” games). Dynamic balance is the ability to remain balanced while engaged in movement (e.g. running or bike riding).
Why are balance and coordination important?
Balance and coordination activities help children develop and maintain appropriate controlled body movement during task performance which, when effective, limits the energy required thus minimizing fatigue.
With good balance and coordination there is less likelihood of injury as the child is likely to have appropriate postural responses when needed (e.g. putting hands out to protect themselves when they fall). The physical attributes of balance and coordination also allow appropriate posture for table top tasks and subsequent success at fine motor tasks.
What activities can help improve balance and coordination?
Unstable surfaces: Walking over unstable surfaces (e.g. pillows, bean bags or blankets on the floor) that make the trunk work hard to maintain an upright position.
Unstable swings and moving games including suspended climbing ladders and jungle gyms. When swings move in unexpected ways it forces the trunk muscles to work harder.
Wheelbarrow walking (the child ‘walking’ on their hands while an adult holds their legs off the floor).
Swimming: Involves the body having to work against resistance of the water, thus providing better awareness of where the body is in space.
Kneeling (with no hands touching the floor) to tap a balloon back to another person.
Hopscotch: Requires the child to switch movement patterns frequently and rapidly.
Stepping stone games with big jumps (i.e. no steps between the ‘stones’) challenge a child’s balance.
Bike and scooter: Both activities require the child to continually make postural adjustments to maintain balance.
