Freeze Frames
Move, then freeze in a called shape: tall tree, tiny mouse, flamingo, star, bridge. Balance practice hidden inside a game of statues.
Overview
You need
No equipment neededOptional: Music player
Skills developed
- Stability: holding still in different shapes
- Body awareness: making shapes on request
- Strength: holding a bridge or a plank
NEL Framework: Motor Skills Development.
Set up
1Step 1
Children spread out with space to stretch their arms.
2Step 2
Coach at the front, demonstrating each shape as it is introduced.
ChildTagger / team BCoachHoopSpotConeBallBeanbagRope or lineMarked areaWhere they move
How to play
- Move around the room (walk, skip, tiptoe) until the call.
- Freeze in the called shape and hold it for a count of five.
- Shapes: TREE (tall, arms up), MOUSE (tiny ball), FLAMINGO (one leg), STAR (wide), BRIDGE (hands and feet, tummy up), TABLE (hands and knees), ROCKET (tall on tiptoes).
Tips for explaining
"Flamingos look at one spot." A fixed gaze steadies a one-leg balance.
"Squeeze your tummy." For stars and rockets.
Make it easier / harder
EasierThree shapes. Hold for a count of three.
HarderHold for ten. Change legs on the flamingo. Freeze in two shapes back to back.
Safety
Enough space for a star shape without touching a neighbour.
More balance games
Tightrope WalkWalk a rope on the floor heel to toe without falling into the crocodile pit. Then walk it ...Beanbag BalanceBalance a beanbag on your head, hand, foot or elbow and move around the room without dropp...Flamingo ChallengeOne-leg balance made into a challenge ladder: stand, then count, then with eyes on a targe...Rock and RollRocking, rolling and tumbling on mats: rock like a boat, roll like a log, curl and rock li...
Rather we ran it for you?
This is one of the games our coaches run in pre-schools every week, with our own equipment. Weekly enrichment, sports days, or a whole holiday programme for your centre, planned in one message.