Basic 4 · Physical Education · Rhythmic Skills
Moving and Manipulating Objects on a Beam
In this topic you will balance on a ground-level beam while moving and handling objects.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Walk on a beam in different directions
- Toss and catch an object while on the beam
- Keep balance with control
What you already know
- Balancing on a beam while moving (Basic 3)
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
- Strand
- Motor Skill And Movement Patterns
- Sub-strand
- Rhythmic Skills
- Indicator
- B4.1.5.1.5 – Balance while moving and manipulating objects on a ground-level balance beam
Introduction
Circus performers juggle while balancing. You will practise tossing and catching a beanbag while walking on a low beam.
1. Beam Skills
| Level | Challenge |
|---|---|
| 1 | walk forward and backward with arms out |
| 2 | walk sideways, crossing feet |
| 3 | toss a beanbag from hand to hand while walking |
| 4 | toss a beanbag up and catch it while standing on the beam |
| 5 | step over a small object on the beam |
2. Tips
- Keep your eyes on a fixed point when walking.
- Look at the beanbag when catching.
- Bend your knees a little to stay steady.
- Step off safely if you lose balance.
New words
- beam
- A narrow raised strip for balancing.
- manipulate
- To handle an object with skill.
- toss
- To throw lightly upwards.
- balance
- Keeping steady.
- focus
- Fixing your eyes or attention.
- coordination
- Making body parts work together.
Summary
- We walk on the beam forward, backward and sideways.
- We toss and catch objects while balancing.
- A fixed focus point and bent knees help balance.
- Step off safely if you wobble.
Class activity: Beam Circuit
- Do each beam challenge from level 1 to 5.
- Record the highest level you complete.
- Help a partner with tips.
You need: Low wooden bench, Beanbag, Woven mat
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. To throw lightly upwards is to…
- A. Toss
- B. Kick
- C. Roll
- D. Push
Show answer
Answer: TossThat is tossing.2. What helps balance on the beam?
- A. A fixed focus point
- B. Closing your eyes
- C. Running
- D. Spinning
Show answer
Answer: A fixed focus pointIt steadies you.3. Making body parts work together is…
- A. Coordination
- B. Endurance
- C. Speed
- D. Force
Show answer
Answer: CoordinationThat is coordination.4. We should step off if we lose balance.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueIt prevents falls.5. Locking the knees straight helps balance on a beam.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseSlightly bent knees help.6. Keeping steady is ______.
Show answer
Answer: balanceThat is balance.7. Name two beam challenges.
Show answer
Answer: Any two: walk forward/backward, walk sideways, toss beanbag, step over object.These build balance.8. Why is tossing on the beam harder than walking?
Show answer
Answer: You must balance and watch the object at the same time.It needs coordination.
Homework
- Walk along a straight line while tossing a small ball hand to hand.