Building Strength and Balance

Curriculum Area

Physical Education – Early Childhood Learning (aligned with Te Whāriki and The New Zealand Curriculum, Level 1)

Big Idea

Developing gross motor skills, including climbing and walking, to support physical confidence and body awareness.

Learning Outcome

By the end of this lesson, ākonga (students) will:

• Practise and improve their ability to walk steadily on various surfaces.
• Develop their climbing skills, enhancing balance and coordination.
• Gain confidence in using their bodies for movement and play.

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Lesson Structure (15 Minutes)

1. Karakia and Warm-up (2 minutes)

Activity: Tīmata (Starting Together)

• Gather the tamariki (children) in a circle.
• Start with a simple welcome karakia (prayer) to focus the group.
• Warm-up: Stretching arms and legs, marching in place, moving like different animals (hopping like a rabbit, stomping like an elephant).

Why?
This activity prepares their muscles and minds for movement while reinforcing routines.

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2. Walking Adventure (4 minutes)

Activity: Pakiwaitara Hīkoi (Story Walk)

• Set up various surfaces in the play area (e.g., grass, mats, wooden balance beams or low planks).
• Guide the children through a story-based movement adventure:
  • "Climb the hill" – walking up a small incline or stack of mats.
  • "Cross the wobbly bridge" – balancing on a wide plank.
  • "Through the forest" – stepping over small obstacles (safely placed blocks).
  • "Tiptoe across the river" – walking on a taped line on the floor.

Why?
This encourages awareness of different walking techniques, supports balance, and makes movement fun and engaging.

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3. Climbing Challenge (5 minutes)

Activity: Te Taumata (The Climbing Summit)

• Set up climbing equipment such as low climbing frames, sturdy step boxes, or safe playground structures.
• Encourage tamariki to climb step-by-step with both hands and feet.
• Offer support for those needing assistance while praising effort and resilience.
• Once at the top, children say "Ka mau te wehi!" (That’s awesome!) before stepping or sliding down safely.

Why?
Climbing builds strength, coordination, and confidence. Children learn how to control their movements, judge distances, and navigate their environment safely.

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4. Cool Down and Reflection (4 minutes)

Activity: Haumaru hoki (Safe Return)

• Guide children in stretching while sitting on the floor.
• Ask questions like:
  • "What was your favourite climbing part?"
  • "What made you feel strong?"
• Close with a karakia whakamutunga (ending prayer) if appropriate.

Why?
Reflection helps consolidate learning, while stretching relaxes growing muscles.

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Assessment and Observation

• Observe children’s balance and coordination when walking on different surfaces.
• Note how they approach climbing (e.g., confidence, body control).
• Listen for self-expression when discussing their favourite movements.

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Resources Needed

• Mats, low balance beams/planks
• Small climbing structures (safe for preschoolers)
• Markers like tape for paths
• Soft blocks or obstacles

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Extension Ideas

• Introduce a new "adventure walk" next time, adding more obstacles.
• Allow free exploration of climbing structures with supervision.
• Incorporate a waiata (song) about movement: "E toru ngā mea" while marching.

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This lesson supports haumaru tinana (physical safety) and whanaungatanga (relationships) by creating a positive learning experience where all children feel supported in their movement journey. Ka pai, kaiako! 🎉