This concept focuses on developing core stability, vestibular processing, and whole-body coordination using Pedalo balance elements. It is designed to build confidence in physical movement and improve postural control—foundational skills for all physical activity and classroom learning.
Use: Standing on a wheeled balance device, shifting weight side-to-side to move forward or backward. Why This Equipment: The Pedalo requires continuous weight transfer while maintaining upright posture. Unlike walking, where one foot is always grounded, the Pedalo creates a dynamic base that challenges the vestibular system constantly. Children learn that smooth, controlled movements create speed—rushing causes wobble and loss of control.
Benefit: Improves ankle stability, gait coordination, trunk stability, and anticipatory movement control.
Rola-Bola Fun
Use: Balancing on a board positioned on top of a cylindrical roller. Why This Equipment: The Rola-Bola trains the “hip strategy”—using hip movements to maintain balance when the support surface shifts. This is a fundamental balance skill used in walking on uneven surfaces, sports, and fall prevention. The constant micro-adjustments required strengthen the vestibular system.
Benefit: Develops vestibular processing, core reactive balance, and teaches that balance is dynamic (always adjusting).
Balance-Steine (Balance Stones)
Use: Stepping from stone to stone, creating “river crossing” challenges at varying heights and distances. Why This Equipment: Balance Stones create an unstable surface that challenges foot and ankle strength. Unlike flat floors, stones require children to adapt each step to a slightly different surface. This develops anticipatory balance—preparing for the next step before taking it.
Benefit: Builds equilibrium, foot strength, careful weight transfer, and spatial planning.
Stelzen (Stilts)
Use: Walking elevated on adjustable wooden stilts with foot platforms and hand holds. Why This Equipment: Stilts change the child’s relationship to gravity and perspective. Walking at height requires rhythmic weight shifting and builds confidence through managed risk. The adjustable height allows progressive challenge as skills develop.
Benefit: Builds courage, balance, rhythm, and confidence in physical abilities.
Setup: Clear open space. Children spread out at arm’s length distance.
Activity:
Children imagine they are penguins on ice, walking carefully
Movement 1: Walk with knees slightly bent, feeling weight transfer side to side
Movement 2: On signal “Iceberg!” — freeze on one leg, hold for 5 seconds
Movement 3: Walk heel-to-toe on an imaginary tightrope (arms out for balance)
Movement 4: Take giant steps (slow, controlled) then tiny steps (quick, precise)
Movement 5: Walk backward carefully, checking behind before each step
Methodology: This warm-up activates the ankle joints and vestibular system in preparation for balance work. The freeze challenges require rapid stability organization—finding balance quickly rather than gradually.
Key Cues:
“Soft knees” (not locked)
“Eyes on the horizon” (not looking down)
“Feel your weight spread across your whole foot”
Main Part: Balance Circuit (27 min)
Set up four stations. Children rotate every 6-7 minutes. Each station has a clear progression.
