Activity 5: Balance Challenge - Part II
Part of Windows and Mirrors
Activity time: 5 minutes
Materials for Activity
- Books used in Activity 2, Balance Challenge - Part 1
- Optional: Timepiece that displays seconds
- Optional: Newsprint with scores from Activity 2, markers and tape
Description of Activity
Children re-attempt the balance challenge from Activity 2 and experience their own ability to improve a skill by practice. Help children remember which position they each chose to improve and invite them to remember their best score. Invite everyone to stand and practice that skill for a minute or two.
Then quiet the group. Ask them to close their eyes, if they are comfortable doing so, and try for a new best score at their balance skill when you say, "Go!"
Say, "Go!" Count seconds until all participants have left their balance positions. If you are recording scores, note each participant's time on newsprint. Otherwise, ask volunteers to tell whether they beat their best scores, and by how many seconds.
Point out that in a complicated society where some people seem to have so much more money and power than others, it can be hard to remember that every single person is exactly as important as everyone else; money and power do not give people extra worth or potential. Say, in your own words:
You can improve your ability to see all people as equal by practicing it, just as you can improve your ability to balance.
Including All Participants
If the group has any children who cannot balance on alternate feet, adapt the activity for a balance challenge all can do, as in Activity 2.