- Definition
Counter-tension is when two people pull away from each other to create a stable connection, like when you pull on a rope and your child pulls on the other end.
When two partners hold hands and lean their body weight directly away from each other, they are using counter-tension to stay upright.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Counter-tension is like a gentle tug-of-war where both people lean their weight back to stay balanced together.
Ask your child: If we hold hands and both lean straight back, what do you feel?
Common mix-up: Kids often confuse this with pushing towards a partner. Counter-tension is the opposite — it's when partners lean or pull away from each other to create a stable, shared balance.
Examples
- Two dancers holding onto a scarf between them and leaning back to create a shape.
- Sitting on the floor facing a partner, pressing feet together, and pulling on each other's hands to stretch.
counter-tension is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
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 ↗
