Balance games, and yes, it's extremely important

Balance, homeostasis, equilibrium- so many words used to describe many contexts- physical, emotional, cognitive & educational, biological and more.
Balance starts to  develope during infancy and has a crucial role in any physical- motor aspect- walking, running, balancing, standing on one leg, playing with friends etc.

A lack of balance sense may cause difficulties in - integrating in a play, motor difficulties, a sense of separation from the peer group, anxiety and lack of self- confidence, and some children will have problems in learning- reading, concentrate, sitting and more.

Balance is affected by physiological factors (the vastibular system that connects the kinesthetic system and the vision system) and from body experiences on different developmental stages, from infantry and onwards.

Because balance is a major element in the motor functioning that influences the self esteem, comfortable movement and the learning abilities, it is worthwhile playing games that improve it, and mainly add confidence, for example:

1. rolling forward and backward (pay attention to the position of the head- chin to to chest).
2. sitting on a ball- medium size or fit-ball (well inflated)- lifting one leg, lifting two legs, lifting hands- up & down, rolling on the ball.

3. walking on short walls- in the beginning with hand, and later on without.
4. walking on trees roots.

5. paste a path from a tape on the floor, and walking on it while staying balanced.
6. jumping on one leg, two legs- forward, to the sides, backwards.
7. rolling to the side, keeping the body straight.
8. standing on one leg for 10 sec. prolonging the time after a week.

9. climbing on the high facilities in the playground (safely).

10. drawing with chalk or with tape squares and jumping from one to another.

11. walking on a rope- on the ground.

12. riding bikes, scooters etc.

13. walking barefoot on the tiptoes.

14. swing.

ENJOY :)

 All the exercises in this film are professional recommendations.  However, the implementations are under  parents and/ or educators responsibility.
* If you see no improvement, or have multiple challenges consult a professional.

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