Gymnastics 3 - Lesson 5

In Year 1, Gymnastics 3, Lesson 5, the key learning objective is to understand and perform mirroring actions, a fundamental skill in gymnastics that involves copying a partner's movements as if reflecting them in a mirror. The success criteria for this lesson are clearly defined: pupils should be able to mirror a partner while balancing, mirror a partner while travelling, and ultimately perform a small mirroring routine. Key vocabulary such as 'mirroring', 'copying', 'balancing', 'travelling', 'timing', and 'routine' are introduced to help students grasp the concepts. The lesson begins with a warm-up activity called 'Mirrors', where pupils pair up and face each other, taking turns to lead and mirror various balances and actions, emphasising slow, controlled movements and timing.

The main part of the lesson focuses on mirroring balances and travels. Pupils work in pairs to mirror each other while performing a series of balances, ensuring they hold each balance for 10 seconds and communicate effectively. This activity reinforces the importance of straight limbs, head positioning, and coordination. Following this, the children engage in 'Mirror travelling', where they work with new partners to perfect three different mirrored movements. The lesson culminates with pairs creating their own small mirroring routines, incorporating the balancing and travelling skills they have learned. A cool-down activity called 'Mirror mirror' involves the whole class mirroring the teacher's movements, with the last pupils standing declared the 'mirroring winners', rounding off the session with a fun and interactive game.