Myths about teaching can hold you back
- Year 6
Controlling the body: balance and control
I can perform both static and dynamic balances on rails and benches showing accuracy, control and coordination.
- Year 6
Controlling the body: balance and control
I can perform both static and dynamic balances on rails and benches showing accuracy, control and coordination.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Move: walking on a rail requires core stability and proprioception to place the feet accurately.
- Move: balance requires ankle strength and stability to keep the body centred over the rail.
- Think: correct foot placement is what keeps you safe and makes it easier to balance for a longer distance.
- Feel: the more relaxed you can be, the easier it is to balance.
- Connect: working with a partner can help you relax and build up skill safely.
Keywords
Balance - the ability to maintain control of the body’s position while still or moving, especially on narrow or unstable surfaces
Proprioception - the body’s ability to sense its position and orientation in space without relying on visual input
Stability - the ability to maintain control of your body during movement, landings or when holding a position
Common misconception
Pupils often look directly down at their feet which shifts their head forward and throws them off their centre of gravity. Pupils are often overly tense when balancing.
For safety in parkour, pupils should focus just in front/ahead of their feet. Pupils should stay relaxed especially in their arms and shoulders.
To help you plan your year 6 physical education lesson on: Controlling the body: balance and control, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 6 physical education lesson on: Controlling the body: balance and control, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 2 physical education lessons from the Parkour: developing confidence and creative movement unit, dive into the full primary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
benches, beams, rails (if school has a suitable area with rails outdoors)
Content guidance
- Additional qualification required
- Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
