New
New
Year 3

Balancing skills in pairs using an imaginary prop

I can communicate non-verbally with my partner, using an imaginary prop to improve my focus and balancing skills.

New
New
Year 3

Balancing skills in pairs using an imaginary prop

I can communicate non-verbally with my partner, using an imaginary prop to improve my focus and balancing skills.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: executing stick movements effectively requires focusing with good balance and slow, deep breathing throughout.
  2. Move: balancing in pairs with control increases the length of time we can balance and improves our ability to focus.
  3. Think: listening to positive and constructive feedback helps us to improve the quality of our movements and balances.
  4. Feel: showing integrity by providing constructive feedback ensures we support others to improve their performance.
  5. Connect: striving to collaborate effectively to produce high quality movements shows great respect.

Keywords

  • Balance - maintain stability and control over the body's position to remain stationary

  • Movement - the act of changing position or location

  • Partner - someone who collaborates or works together with another person or group toward a common goal

Common misconception

Pupils forget to balance the imaginary stick in their pairs and create movements that wouldn't work if they were using a real stick. Pupils also lose their focus during the movements and rush them.

Provide lots of examples to support pupils to create movements while balancing an imaginary stick. Remind pupils of the importance of focus, control and slow deep breathing.


To help you plan your year 3 physical education lesson on: Balancing skills in pairs using an imaginary prop, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Use real sticks to bring the lesson to life.
Teacher tip

Equipment

1 beanbag between 2, additional materials: meditative balance cards and suggested music

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following balances can we use to help us feel calm and relaxed?
star
symmetrical
Correct answer: meditative
Q2.
What is essential to a meditative balance?
Correct answer: focus
speed
height
Q3.
What do we mean by reducing our speed or pace when completing a task?
go fast
Correct answer: go slow
go high
Q4.
Why should we encourage our partners?
Correct answer: to support them
to take over
to ignore them

Assessment exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
What should we do instead of rushing movements and meditative balances?
Correct answer: be focused
be distracted
stop still
Q2.
How is a movement different from a balance?
movements are still
Correct answer: movements change location
movements are loud
Q3.
What do we show if we provide constructive feedback in order to improve others’ performances?
focus
motivation
Correct answer: integrity
Q4.
What are meditative balances and focused movements examples of?
speed techniques
Correct answer: relaxation techniques
relaxation drawings

Additional material

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