What movement concept is being communicated when a child is encouraged to keep their head up and back straight while walking on a beam?

The concept being communicated when a child is encouraged to keep their head up and back straight while walking on a beam relates to the balance of the body. Maintaining a straight posture helps ensure that the center of gravity is aligned over the base of support, which is critical for stability. When the center of gravity is directly over the base (the beam in this case), the child is less likely to lose balance and fall off.

This posture not only aids in maintaining equilibrium during the activity but also promotes better coordination and control over body movements. Keeping the head up allows for better visual alignment and spatial awareness, which can also contribute to maintaining balance. Therefore, the encouragement for good posture directly ties into the concept of body balance through proper alignment of the center of gravity over the base of support.