Objectives :
Static Balance
Dynamic Balance
Different locomotor movements

Grade Level : K-5

Materials :
Mats
Floor space

Prerequisites :
Students should have previous experience with different kinds of animal walks.
Students should know some basic locomotor movements, ie. skipping, galloping, sliding, etc.
Students should have some knowledge of basic gymnastics skills and terminology
Students should have some knowledge of dynamic and static balance.
Students should have some knowledge of levels, pathways and directions

Set-up :
Mats in a scattered formation

Lesson :
This is a teacher led activity at first, once learned it can be done with partners. If learned very well it can be done with a small group.
Using very slow movements, teacher asks the students to " mirror " him or her. The slower you go, the more effective this is . It really promotes body control and concentration.
Some students might have a difficult time. If so make it even slower and tell them the name of the move you are about to do. Then say are we ready? Here we go, and then do it slowly and then stop. Do this for 3 or 4 four different skills.
Examples:
Watch me - Do a chasse' (about 3 steps and stop)
Now let's do it together.
Watch me - Do a front scale
Now let's do it together.
Watch me - Curl slowly into a tuck position, Then explode upwards extending to arms and legs landing on your feet in a standing position with arms still extended.
Now let's do it together.
Now watch me very carefully and let's do it all three of the moves slowly and together.
You can do a few more different examples for the class.
When you see that they are getting the idea, have them do it with partners, tell them that you do not want to be able to tell who is the leader and who is the follower. Many students really find this fun and challenging. You will see many innovative ideas and movement.
Every so often, say "change leaders".
As a greater challenge when the students are really getting the concept, let them do a continuing movement sequence that doesn't stop, but rather continues around the room. Then when you say "change leaders" the movement should not end, but the new leader should start from where ever they are and then continue.

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