The Importance of Balance
July 2, 2019
Written By: Barbara Eaton (Academic Development Co-ordinator of ADvTECH Pre-Primary Schools)
Balance is the ability to maintain the body’s centre of mass over its base of support. A properly functioning balance system allows humans to see clearly while moving, identify location with respect to gravity, determine direction and speed of movement, and make automatic postural adjustments to maintain posture and stability in various conditions and activities.
Balance is achieved and maintained by a complex set of sensorimotor control systems that include sensory input from vision (sight), proprioception (touch), and the vestibular system (motion, equilibrium, spatial orientation); integration of that sensory input; and motor output to the eye and body muscles.
Balance begins in infancy as babies begin to hold their heads up and raise themselves up on their arms. It develops steadily with opportunities to run, jump, climb, balance and play. Development stabilises at approximately 10-11 years. There are balance milestones to achieve by certain ages. Eg, a child should be able to balance on one leg for more than 12 seconds by the age of 5.5 years. At pre-school girls appear to have slightly better balance than boys.
Balance is basic to physical fitness as it is the ability to maintain and control body position while stationary or moving.
Good balance and core muscle tone enables a child to sit at a desk for academic tasks and to persevere for reasonable periods of time. This is called static balance. Without it the child will fidget, rock on the chair and need frequent excuses to stand and walk.
Dynamic balance is the ability to maintain postural control during movement so is important to all sport and dance.
Giving children lots of time to play freely outside, to climb, swing and roll, is essential for developing good balance and posture.
To learn more tips from our teachers and educational experts, click here
.
To learn more about Gaborone International School (GIS), click here
.
To learn about the GIS experience, click here
.
By Andrison Muzinda: Head of Standard 7 GIS Parent: 1. Will AI replace teachers? 2. Should my child be using AI at school? These are questions I hear often from parents, and they are understandable. Artificial Intelligence is becoming part of everyday life, from the phones we use to the way we work. Naturally, parents want to know what it means for their children's education. As an educator, I have learnt that the real question is not whether children will use AI, but how schools can guide them to use it responsibly, ethically and effectively. The answer lies in a partnership that is technology working hand in hand with excellent teaching. AI is a tool, not a Replacement The best schools, like Gaborone International School, have always adapted to change while keeping children's needs at the centre. AI is not different. In my experience, the most meaningful learning still happens through strong relationships when a teacher notices a child's growth in confidence, a class discussion that sparks curiosity or a moment when a learner finally understands a difficult concept. AI cannot replace these human experiences. What it can do is help teachers personalise learning and give students more opportunities to grow. Personalised Learning One of the greatest strengths of AI is its ability to adapt learning to each child. In Gaborone International School, platforms such as AdvLearn provide learners with targeted practice and immediate feedback, helping them master concepts at their own pace. On the other hand, assessment tools like MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) allow teachers to identify strengths and areas for improvement, enabling instruction that is tailored to individual needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. For younger learners, AI supported Guided Readers can recommend books at the right reading level and monitor progress, helping children build confidence and develop a love of reading. As teachers, we still interpret the data, encourage learners and make professional decisions. AI simply gives us better information to support every child. Creativity and Innovation Responsible use of AI also means preparing children for the future. This is why our school introduced robotics programmes, where learners design, build and programme solutions to real-world problems while developing creativity, teamwork and problem-solving skills. We also use Virtual Reality headsets to transform learning experiences. For instance, learners explore the solar system as if they are travelling through space. These immersive experiences make learning memorable and meaningful. The goal is not to impress students with technology but to deepen understanding and inspire curiosity. Ethics Matters Of course, with great opportunities come important responsibilities. Children need guidance on when and how to use AI. They must learn to think critically, verify information and understand that AI-generated content is not always accurate. At Gaborone International School, this means teaching digital citizenship alongside digital skills. Students should know that AI can help them brainstorm ideas or practise concepts, but it should never replace their own thinking, creativity or integrity. As educators, we have a duty to model responsible use and to create clear guidelines that protect learners while encouraging innovation. What Parents Can Do Parents do not need to be AI experts; instead, they should ask their children questions like: How are you using AI at school? What are you learning from using AI? Is AI helping you to think differently? These conversations teach children that technology is most powerful when paired with curiosity, good judgment, and strong values. Takeaway AI is changing education, and that change brings exciting possibilities. When used thoughtfully, tools such as AdvLearn, MAP, Guided Readers, robotics and VR can enrich learning and help children thrive. However, the heart of education remains unchanged: caring teachers, supportive families and young people who are encouraged to think, question and dream. The schools that will lead the future are not those that simply adopt the latest technology but the ones that use it responsibly, keeping children at the centre of every decision, and that is exactly the kind of future every parent wants for their child.
What Parents Should Really Look For
Using Assessment Insights to Personalise Support and Improve Learner Outcomes
