Unit Plan 4 (Grade 2 PE): Balance & Stability
Build Grade 2 balance and stability through fun PE stations that develop one-foot control, line balance, body awareness, and safe movement using levels and directions.
Focus: Develop non-locomotor balance, body control, and stability by practicing one-foot poses, line balance, and low-level balance stations.
Grade Level: 2
Subject Area: Physical Education (Non-Locomotor Skills • Balance & Stability • Movement Concepts)
Total Unit Duration: 1 core session + 2 optional sessions (1–3 weeks), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students build stronger body awareness by learning how to hold still, control their bodies, and stay balanced in a variety of positions. This unit focuses on non-locomotor movements such as balancing, bending, stretching, twisting, and holding stable shapes. Students begin with simple one-foot balances and line poses, then move into a Balance Circuit using low beams, floor lines, balance spots, and “statue hold” stations. As they practice, students also use movement concepts such as levels, directions, and simple pathways to understand how body position changes balance. The goal is to help students feel strong, steady, and in control while moving safely and confidently.
Essential Questions
- How can I hold my body still and balanced in different positions?
- What helps me stay stable when I balance on one foot, on a line, or on low equipment?
- How do levels and directions change the way balance feels?
- How can I show body control and safe choices during balance activities?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Perform non-locomotor balance movements with improving control and stability.
- Hold simple balance poses on one foot, on a line, and on low-level equipment for a short amount of time.
- Use movement concepts such as high, medium, and low levels and forward, backward, and sideways directions during balance tasks.
- Demonstrate safe body control while bending, stretching, twisting, and stabilizing during station activities.
Standards Alignment — 2nd Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)
- PE:S1.2b – Non-Locomotor Balance & Stability Perform non-locomotor movements (balance, twist, stretch, bend, sway) while maintaining body control in place and on low-level equipment.
- Example: Students hold balance poses on a floor line or low beam for several seconds without stepping off.
- PE:S2.2b – Pathways, Levels, Direction Apply movement concepts such as levels (high/medium/low), pathways (straight/curved/zigzag), and directions (forward/backward/sideways) while performing skills.
- Example: Students travel through cone courses using assigned pathways and levels, such as low-level zigzag pathways.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can hold my body still in a balance pose.
- I can balance on one foot or on a line with control.
- I can show high, medium, and low levels while balancing.
- I can face forward, backward, or sideways and still try to stay stable.
- I can use safe body control at each station.