Gymnastics - Lesson 5

In Reception Gymnastics Lesson 5, the aim is to help young pupils explore and demonstrate a variety of jumping patterns with an emphasis on safety and technique. The learning objectives are clear: pupils should be able to perform different jump combinations, jump and land safely from a small height, and show shapes while jumping. Key vocabulary such as 'jumping', 'bending knees', 'landing', 'shapes', 'star', 'pencil', and 'tuck' are introduced to enrich the children's understanding. The lesson requires equipment like cones, hurdles, hoops, ropes, benches, gymnastics mats, and tables to create an engaging environment. The warm-up involves a show jumping course simulation, where pupils manoeuvre around obstacles using various movements and jumping techniques, focusing on arm and leg control and slowing down before an obstacle.

The main activity, 'Jumping Frogs', sees hoops scattered around to represent lily-pads, where pupils avoid the pads until commanded to perform springy jumps on them, practising different combinations of jumping and landing. This activity emphasizes lifting knees high, swinging arms for take-off, and controlled landings. In 'Jumping and Moving', pupils are divided into groups and take turns to walk along benches and jump onto mats, showcasing different shapes in the air like pencil or tuck. The lesson concludes with a 'Partner Tuck Stand' cool-down, where pairs work together to stand from a tuck position, reinforcing the session's focus on jumping and the various techniques learned. This structured approach not only teaches gymnastic skills but also encourages teamwork and communication among the young learners.