Benchmark Videos
Experimenting with Balance
Video & Background
The child in this clip attends a mixed-age early childhood center sponsored by a public university. Playgrounds are part of the early childhood classroom, and thoughtful planning of activities for the playground environment can help children build skills and meet standards. Bringing materials outdoors can help teachers create inviting learning centers. In this clip, the teachers have created a mini-obstacle course, where children can explore balance through balance beams and tilt boards. Three- and 4-year-old children are developing their ability to balance, and they are likely to practice this gross motor skill when opportunities are presented for them to practice as part of their play.
Transcript
There is no speech during this movie. Please see Background Information for a description of this clip.Benchmarks
| Benchmark | Benchmark Description | How Benchmark Was Met |
|---|---|---|
Physical Development and Health |
Engage in active play using gross motor skills. |
Alex jumps over the balance beam and balances on tilt boards. |
Physical Development and Health |
Coordinate movements to perform complex tasks. |
Alex balanced on the three tilt boards. |
This video clip was made possible by STARnet Regions I & III with funding from the Illinois State Board of Education.
This section of the Illinois Early Learning Web site links to activities related to the Benchmarks in the Illinois Early Learning Standards. We expect that early childhood professionals and parents will use these ideas in ways appropriate to their children and their setting. We are sure that you will find many ways to adapt these activities into themes, projects, and units in your program or at home.
An Illinois Early Learning link to a Web site does not imply an endorsement by the Illinois Early Learning Project or the Illinois State Board of Education of any product, resource, or service on that Web site.
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