Simon Says Beanbag Balance

Learning Outcomes

Students will develop balance and coordination by following instructions while holding a beanbag.
Students will practice listening skills and following directions.
Students will explore creative movement and problem-solving strategies in a fun and social environment.

Description Of Activity

Warm-up: 
Play upbeat music and encourage students to move around freely with activities like jumping, hopping, skipping, and wiggling their bodies. This warms up their muscles and gets them energized.

Introduction: 
Gather students in a circle and introduce the game "Simon Says Beanbag Balance Fun!" Explain the concept of a leader called "Simon" who will give instructions. Students need to follow the instructions only if they start with the phrase "Simon Says."

Choosing "Simon" :
Choose a student to be the first "Simon" through a fun selection method like a rhyming game or rock-paper-scissors.
Briefly explain the role of "Simon" - demonstrating silly balancing poses with beanbags and giving clear instructions.

Balancing with Beanbags:
Provide each student with a soft, lightweight beanbag.
"Simon" stands in front of the group and demonstrates various balancing poses holding their beanbag (e.g., stand on one leg like a flamingo, sit on the floor with the beanbag on your tummy like a turtle, bend at the knees with arms outstretched like a silly airplane).
"Simon Says" Instructions: "Simon" gives clear and concise instructions that always start with "Simon Says" followed by the balancing pose. Examples:
"Simon Says stand tall and hold the beanbag like a yummy cupcake!"
"Simon Says waddle like a silly penguin and hold the beanbag on your head (gently)!" (modify for safety)
Students listen carefully and follow the instructions only if they begin with "Simon Says."

Movement with "Simon Says" (Optional): 
Once students are comfortable with basic balancing poses, "Simon" can introduce instructions that involve movement while balancing. Examples:
"Simon Says take two giant steps forward like a happy giant with your beanbag!"
"Simon Says hop on one leg like a hopping bunny and hold the beanbag in the other hand!"

Taking Turns and "Out" Rules:
If a student follows an instruction that doesn't start with "Simon Says," they gently sit out for a round, but remain engaged by cheering on their classmates.
After a few rounds, switch roles and choose a new student to be "Simon."
Encourage creativity and ensure "Simon" demonstrates new and silly balancing poses for each turn.

Cool-down: 
Play some calming music and have students walk slowly around the play area, stretching their arms and legs gently.

Review and Reflection: 
Discuss the activity briefly. Ask students which balancing pose or animal movement they found the most fun. Encourage them to share their experiences and celebrate their listening skills, balancing achievements, and participation as a group. You can even ask them if they'd like to be "Simon" next time and what kind of silly poses they might come up with.

Optional Extension: 
If time allows, have students create their own "Simon Says Beanbag Balance Fun" pose. They can demonstrate their pose and give clear instructions for the class to follow, promoting creativity and leadership skills.

Variations

Animal Balance: Incorporate animal movements into the balancing poses. "Simon Says stand on one leg like a balancing bird with your beanbag!" or "Simon Says crawl like a silly crab with the beanbag on your back!"
Beanbag Challenges: Instead of holding the beanbag, have students try placing it on different body parts while following "Simon Says" instructions. Examples: "Simon Says put the beanbag on your knee!" or "Simon Says balance the beanbag on your foot!" (modify for safety)
Partner Balance: Divide students into pairs and introduce partner balancing poses where they work together to hold the beanbag. Examples: "Simon Says stand back-to-back and hold the beanbag together!" or "Simon Says sit facing each other and hold the beanbag between your foreheads!" (modify for difficulty level)

Coaching Tips

Focus on Fun: Keep the game lighthearted and playful. Celebrate students' effort and creativity with silly balancing poses and animal sounds.
Positive Reinforcement: Offer praise and encouragement throughout the game for their participation, listening skills, and successful balancing attempts.
Individualized Support: Modify the activity for students who are struggling with balance by providing a wall or chair for support initially.
Clear Instructions: Ensure "Simon" uses clear and concise language when giving instructions and demonstrates the balancing pose before asking students to follow.
Safety First: Ensure the beanbags are soft and a safe size for young children.
Active Participation: Encourage all students to participate, even if they are sitting out a round, by cheering on their classmates and making silly animal sounds.

Equipment/Material Required

Beanbags (one per student, soft and lightweight)
Upbeat music (optional)