Demonstrate a balance on at least four different combinations of body parts.
Demonstrate rocking on each of the three body surfaces.
Demonstrate a sequence that includes a balance and rocking with a distinct beginning and ending.
Create a sequence that includes a balance and rocking with a distinct beginning and ending.
Welcome. Pick up a mat, put it in an own space and walk in different directions around your own mat until I say stop.
Warm up with Balance tag and the Backward Rocker. Remind the students to hold their body very still and strong when they are balancing. The balance should last at least till they count to five.
Stand on the mat that is closest to you.
20 – 30 Minutes The following tasks combine balance and rocking. These tasks will allow the class to sequence the skills they have learned up to this point. Emphasize to the students that there should be a distinct beginning and ending to their routine. Work to make the transition from the balance to the roll smoothly.
Start with a balance on one body part; hold your balance for at least three seconds. From that balance, begin rocking on one of the three surfaces. After at least three rocks, finish with a balance on the same body part you started on.
Start with a balance on four body parts, hold that balance for at least 3 seconds. Directly from that balance, begin rocking on a body surface. After you have rocked at least 3 times, finish the sequence by balancing on one body part.
Start with a balance on four body parts, begin rocking on one body surface, continue rocking as you change to a new body surface, and finish your sequence with a balance on one body part.
Start with a balance on either one or four body parts, begin rocking and continue rocking while switching to a new body surface, and finish your sequence with a balance on either one or four body parts.
Put your mat together with someone with the same color as your mat. Show each other your favorite rock and balance. Start on a balance and finish with a balance.
If there is time, let the students try each other’s sequence.
During this time, you as the instructor will be moving around to the students, making sure they can identify the parts they are balancing on, asking which surfaces they are rocking on and making sure they are working on the problem that is presented.
You can also show some of the cool sequences to the rest of the class periodically.
Keep the mat you are working on for stretches.
What’s the difference between rocking and balancing? Balancing is still, holding your body over certain body parts. Rocking is transferring weight across a body surface. Not still.