Gymnastics - Lesson 3

The third lesson in the Reception gymnastics series aims to teach young pupils the fundamental skill of balance. The learning objectives set for the children include demonstrating basic balances using different body parts, referred to as patches and points. The pupils are expected to achieve success by being able to balance on various body parts, both on the floor and on benches, as well as being able to choose and demonstrate their favourite balances. Key vocabulary for the lesson includes terms such as balance, still, patches, points, body parts, bridge, and squeezing muscles. The equipment needed for the lesson includes music, hoops, spots, cones, and benches. The warm-up consists of a game of Musical Statues, where children move to music and freeze into balances when the music stops, focusing on controlled movements and muscle tension.

The main portion of the lesson, lasting 30 minutes, involves two key activities: Hoop Balancing and Bench Balances. In Hoop Balancing, each child practices balancing on their bottom, tummy, back, and standing on one leg within their own hoop. The Bench Balances activity builds on the previous lesson, with children taking turns to balance on one leg, their bottom, tummy, back, and in a bridge position on the benches. Teachers are advised to ensure safety mats are in place and to demonstrate the balances, using pupil demonstrations to showcase good practice. The lesson concludes with a cool-down activity called Cross the River, where pupils move across the area in creative ways, such as tiptoeing, balancing on one leg, or pretending to swim, reinforcing the day's learning about balance.