- Definition
Balance in art means arranging things so the picture feels stable and not lopsided, like a seesaw with equal weight on both sides. It can be perfectly even (symmetrical) or intentionally uneven but still feeling right (asymmetrical).
Holding your arms out to the side to stay steady while walking on a line is using balance.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Balance is like trying to stand on one foot like a flamingo without wobbling over.
Ask your child: How do you stay steady when you stand on one foot?
Common mix-up: Kids may think balance is just about standing perfectly still. Balance is actually about making small adjustments with your body to stay steady, even while you are moving.
Examples
- Standing on one leg to kick a ball.
- Riding a scooter or bicycle without tipping over.
balance is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
- Grade 6 The Arts
- Grade 7 The Arts
- Grade 8 The Arts
- Kindergarten Kindergarten
- Grade 3 Mathematics
- Grade 1 Health and Physical Education
+19 more mentions across the curriculum
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
