Gopher Exclusive Product
SummitStones Balance Set
These gross motor development toys come in an assortment of heights, diameters, and foam densities to create an engaging balance challenge for students. Three foam densities (soft, medium, firm) encourage students to be ready to adjust their approach as they prepare to step on the next stone. Stones also vary in height (2”, 3”, 4”, 6”, or 8”H) and diameter (8”, 11”, or 13” dia) for an extra challenge. Create additional challenges incorporating firm foam beams (36"L x 4"W x 3"H) into balance challenges.
Durable vinyl cover protects the foam core, has antimicrobial properties, and is easy to wipe clean. Anti-skid bottom adds stability and prevents the stones and beams from slipping when stepped on.
Complete Set includes 6 stones and 4 beams. Stepping Stones (14 lb total) and Balance Beams (16 lb total) also sold separately.
15 Engaging Balance and Movement Activities Using Gopher SummitStones
The Gopher SummitStones are textured, non-slip balance stones that challenge students to step, hop, leap, and balance across varied terrain. Their standout feature is the unique molded ridges and bumps, which stimulate the feet and improve balance, proprioception, and foot strength. These tactile stones also help prevent slipping and sliding, making them safer and more versatile than many similar products. The following 15 activities use the SummitStones to teach key Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) including balance, jumping, landing, leaping, coordination, core stability, and agility — ideal for students of all ages in physical education settings.
1. Summit Step Challenge: Students must step from stone to stone without touching the floor, improving static and dynamic balance while navigating uneven surfaces.
2. Leapin’ Ledges: Set SummitStones at varied distances and have students leap from one to the next, emphasizing leaping technique, power, and safe landing.
3. Steady Step Showdown: Two students race to cross parallel paths of SummitStones. First to reach the end without touching the ground wins. Tests speed, balance, and accuracy.
4. Balance Freeze Frame: Play music as students hop across stones. When it stops, they freeze in place on a stone, testing core stability and focus.
5. Stepping Stone Story Walk: Assign a movement or story cue to each colored stone (e.g., red = leap, blue = hop). Students follow a "story path," practicing varied locomotor skills.
6. King of the Stone: One student stands on a stone while others try to reach them by hopping stone-to-stone. Promotes balance and agility under pressure.
7. Agility Island Dash: Use the SummitStones as "islands" and time students as they zigzag across without falling off. Encourages agility and speed with control.
8. SummitStation Circuits: Place SummitStones at fitness stations. Students complete an exercise, then balance for 10 seconds on one leg before moving on.
9. River Crossing Relay: Teams must cross a “river” using only SummitStones as stepping stones. Falling off sends them back! Great for teamwork and strategy.
10. Color Hop Command: Teacher calls out a color and a number (e.g., “Blue x 2!”), and students must hop to that many of that color stone, enhancing reaction time and color recognition.
11. Stone Yoga Sculpt: On each stone, students perform a yoga pose for 10 seconds (e.g., tree pose). Develops balance, flexibility, and concentration.
12. Tiptoe Traverse: Students move tiptoe-style from stone to stone without letting heels touch, building calf strength and core stability.
13. Pattern Path Pursuit: Give each group a pattern (e.g., blue-red-green) and they must follow it exactly while hopping across stones. Enhances memory, sequencing, and movement control.
14. Partner Pass Balance: In pairs, students stand on facing SummitStones and toss a beanbag back and forth without stepping off — challenging coordination and dynamic balance.
15. Balance Dice Game: Roll two dice — one for how many stones to step, and one for how many seconds to balance. Randomizes movement for added engagement.