Balancing Basics

Curriculum Area

Physical Education – Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

• UK Curriculum Framework: EYFS Physical Development
• Early Learning Goal: Gross Motor Skills
• Focus: "To develop balance and coordination when using equipment."

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• Develop confidence in balancing on a Strider bike.
• Practise keeping the bike still while standing over it.
• Improve weight shifting to enhance coordination and control.

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Lesson Structure (30 Minutes)

1. Warm-Up Activity (5 minutes)

Activity: "Animal Balancers"

• Students spread out in a safe space.
• Teacher calls out different animals for students to imitate (e.g., stand tall like a flamingo on one leg, waddle like a penguin for side-to-side balance).
• Focus on engaging core muscles and promoting stability.

Why? This playful warm-up activates balance and coordination in a fun, age-appropriate way before transitioning to bikes.

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2. Introduction to Balancing on a Strider Bike (5 minutes)

• Demonstrate how to:
  • Stand over the bike with feet flat on the ground.
  • Hold the handlebars with relaxed arms.
  • Keep the bike still using body control.
• Ask students to copy, guiding them through each step.

Teacher Tip: Use simple, encouraging language like “Freeze like a statue!” to help them grasp stillness.

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3. Main Activity – 'Freeze & Lean’ Challenge (10 minutes)

Part 1: Freezing on the Bike (5 minutes)

• Students practise standing on their bikes without moving.
• Gradually challenge them to freeze for longer durations.

Part 2: Weight Shifting Side to Side (5 minutes)

• Teacher demonstrates shifting weight slightly from left foot to right foot while keeping the bike grounded.
• Students copy and focus on maintaining control.

Variation: Turn this into a game – call out “surf like a wave” for them to sway gently, reinforcing balance.

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4. Cool Down – ‘Balance Story Adventure’ (5 minutes)

• Sit in a circle with bikes aside.
• Guide students through a short imaginative story where they "ride" through different environments (e.g., balancing carefully over a wobbly bridge, leaning on a windy hill).
• Encourage deep breaths and gentle stretching while they act out the movements.

Why? Encourages reflection on the skills learned while promoting relaxation and mindfulness.

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Assessment & Differentiation

Assessment (Informal Observation)

✔ Can they hold the bike still for a few seconds?
✔ Do they shift weight with control?
✔ Are they gaining confidence in balancing?

Differentiation

• For confident students: Introduce a ‘slow race’ where they inch forward while staying balanced.
• For students needing extra support: Allow them to grip a teacher’s hand or use a marked 'balance zone' where they focus only on standing still first.

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Equipment Needed

• 16 Strider balance bikes
• Cones (to mark safe riding zones)
• Visual prompts (icons of animals for warm-up)

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Teacher Reflection Notes

• What worked well?
• Were any students struggling with weight shifting?
• How can I adapt this for Lesson 3’s ‘Gliding for Confidence’?

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This lesson plan ensures a structured yet playful experience, helping young learners build confidence in balance through creativity and movement. 🎉