The explorations taking place this week was for the purpose seeing how the children’s methods could change over time when using the same object. Yet, I added a new material to their explorations. The intentions I had when adding a mirror was so the children would see how their body is moving on the beam and possibly improve their balance. I was wondering if they would use a trial and error method to continue to improve their balancing skills. After all the observations with the children exploring, I did see how their methods of balancing were growing. After all the observations with the children exploring, I did see how their methods of balancing were growing. Many children did notice the mirror, but it was difficult for them to look down at the mirror while they were on the beam. They would have to get off of the beam to look at the mirror (like in this picture.)

The children also have been transferring what they have learned from the incline we were exploring to the balancing beam. This week, something new happened with the children. There was self-initiated teamwork! Marianna was trying to walk on the balancing beam when she felt unstable. Casey seen Marianna becoming unstable and he offered her his hand while he was on the floor, and he walked her up and down the balancing beam. To explain the second picture, Ali knew that bending his knees has always helped him to balance. He would then bend all the way down to his toes, but then he realized he couldn’t walk on the beam when he did this.  Then, he would scoot his feet sideways to get across the beam without assistance. Next, the students will have the opportunity to put their new skills to the test when we try to do yoga!