Note : This is a rather long lesson plan taken step by step designed to use over a few class periods, depending upon the length of your classes.

Objectives :
Students will find points of balance.
Symmetrical and asymmetrical shapes.
Integration of curriculum.( addition and subtraction )

Grade Level : K-5

Materials : 4 to 6 large foam dice

Prerequisite : Knowledge of body parts and an awareness of personal space.

Set-up : Have children find their personal space.

Getting Started :
Once the children have been seated roll one of the dice.
Ask one of the children if they know what the number is.
Tell them they will be using the number rolled to determine the number of body parts they will be balancing on.
Hold up the number one.
Ask one of the children if they can balance using only one body part.
Ask the class if they can balance on the same body part in the same way.
Ask them if they can balance using the same body part, but make it look different by using low, medium and high positions.
Ask another child if they can balance using the number one on a different body part.
Have the class do this balance in the same way.
Next ask them to balance on the same body part, but to make it look different, by using different heights and stretching or bending other body parts so they are different from anyone else in the room.
Have the class balance on any one body part in any manner they wish.
Pick out three children who are balanced in different ways.
Explain to the class that even though they balanced on different body parts and in different ways they were all correct because they used the number one.
Now repeat this section with the number two.
After they do this they should be getting the concept of using the number to determine the number of points of balance and balancing in different ways.

Lesson :
Roll the dice.
Ask one of the children to call out the number.( As an example let's use the number four )
Ask everyone to balance on that number of body parts.
Move around the class and ask the children to name what four body parts they are using as points of balance.
If they have more than the number being used ask them if to name them while you count them on your fingers for them, so they can see the number the are using. Ask them if they know what they have to do to make the number four. If they do great, if not help them out and recount so they get the concept.
If they use less than the number, do the same thing, but have them add the body part.

Re-roll the dice and repeat. If it is the same number explain that they should balance in a different way.

Periodically pick out someone who is doing a really good job and have the others see if they can copy that balance.

Variations for older children :
1. Have the children pair up and mimic each other on the number rolled.
2. Have the children get in groups of 4 or 5. Give each group one dice. Let one roll while the others balance on the number rolled. The child rolling the dice goes around and checks the others to see if they are using the correct number.
Let the children change rollers after each turn.
3. Have the children get in groups of 4 or 5. You roll three dice. All of the children in the group must combine their body parts to reach the number rolled. They will have to add and subtract body parts in order to reach the number. They might also, depending on the number rolled have to lift some of the others in the group so they aren't touching the ground or floor.

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