Gymnastics - Lesson 4

In the fourth lesson of a gymnastics series for nursery-aged children, the focus is on exploring different point balances. The learning objectives are clear: children should be able to balance on various body parts, follow instructions attentively, and hold a point balance for at least three seconds. The key vocabulary for this lesson includes terms such as 'points', 'hands', 'feet', 'spot', and 'balance', essential for understanding the movements and instructions given during the session. The required equipment for this lesson is simple but effective: music to create an engaging atmosphere and mats for safety during exercises.

The lesson is structured into three main parts: a warm-up, the main activity, and a cool-down. During the warm-up, which lasts for five minutes, the teacher leads the children in a game of 'Teacher Says', where pupils are encouraged to move around the room and then hold various positions using different body parts. This activity not only warms up their bodies but also prepares them for the concept of balancing. The main activity spans 15 minutes, where children are instructed to practice point balances on mats, progressing from one-point balances to more complex ones that involve multiple points of contact. The lesson concludes with a performance time during the cool-down, where children volunteer to demonstrate their balance sequences and learn about being a respectful audience by watching quietly and clapping after each performance. This final part of the lesson also includes a reflective 'Pupil Talk' to discuss what they enjoyed and learned throughout the gymnastics unit.