Gymnastics 1 - Lesson 1

The first lesson in Year 1 Gymnastics focuses on exploring space safely and introduces pupils to various ways of moving using different body parts. The lesson's success criteria include the ability for pupils to travel in diverse manners and to replicate high and low body shapes. Key vocabulary terms such as 'balance', 'shapes', 'high', 'low', 'tip toes', and 'stomach' are incorporated throughout the session. Essential equipment includes a class set of cones and a number of hoops. The warm-up segment involves setting up a safe zone with cones and teaching the children how to find their own space within it. It also includes activities like jogging, hopping, skipping, and running, all the while scanning for space and responding to stop and go signals from the teacher. Pupils are encouraged to discuss the concept of space and the importance of being aware of their surroundings.

The main part of the lesson is a creative and imaginative journey through a 'deep, dark jungle', where pupils must navigate the environment in various ways such as crawling, stretching, and tiptoeing, all while being mindful of the imaginary wildlife. They are challenged to move like different animals, including monkey walks, crab crawls, and caterpillar walks, and to use their bodies to express these movements. This section also offers leadership opportunities for pupils to guide their peers in exploring the jungle. The lesson concludes with a cool-down activity where pupils practice dodging and evading imaginary 'fairy dust' represented by cones, followed by balancing exercises. Finally, reflection time allows pupils to lie on their backs and consider their achievements and areas for improvement, using the key vocabulary to describe their own and their partner's performances.