Gymnastics - Lesson 5

In the fifth lesson of the Nursery Gymnastics series, the young gymnasts are set to explore various patch balances, enhancing their ability to maintain equilibrium using different body parts. The success criteria for the session are clear: pupils should be able to balance on different body parts, listen and follow instructions attentively, and hold a point balance for at least three seconds. The key vocabulary introduced includes terms such as 'patch', 'body parts', 'balance', 'travel', 'movement', and 'focus'. Essential equipment for the lesson includes mats for safety and comfort during exercises.

The lesson begins with a five-minute warm-up called 'Frozen Statues', where children find their own space and move around to music or an instrument, with the teacher controlling their speed of movement. Movements range from slow, such as slithering or crawling, to quicker actions like side steps or skipping. When the music stops, pupils must freeze in a balance they learned in the previous lesson. The main part of the session, lasting 15 minutes, involves placing mats around the hall and having pupils perform various sitting and lying balances, with the teacher demonstrating each one. The children are encouraged to use their arms for balance and are challenged to hold the positions for longer periods. The lesson concludes with a five-minute cool down where pupils volunteer to perform their sequence of balances and learn what it means to be a good audience, offering applause and positive feedback on each other's performances.