Gymnastics 1 - Lesson 3

In the third lesson of Gymnastics 1 for Year 2, students are expected to master the art of linking and mirroring low-level shapes with an emphasis on good posture and balance. The lesson's success criteria focus on the creation of dish and arch shapes, maintaining pointed toes throughout, and engaging abdominal muscles for enhanced control. Key terms such as 'dish', 'arch', 'pike', 'tuck', 'straddle', 'linking', and 'mirroring' are integral to the lesson's vocabulary. The practical session requires 15 safety mats, 10 cones to mark a safe zone, and 30 bibs for a variation game during the warm-up, ensuring a safe and engaging learning environment for the pupils.

The lesson begins with a dynamic warm-up where children play 'Rabbits and Foxes', a game that involves storytelling and encourages active movement, followed by an imaginative 'In The Jungle' activity where children mimic various animals. The main part of the lesson is dedicated to consolidating previous learning of basic gymnastic shapes and introducing new ones, such as the dish and arch shapes, with clear modelling and 'your turn' practice. The session includes call and respond activities, where children must quickly find a mat and perform the called shape. The lesson concludes with a cool-down that includes fun activities like 'Runner Bean' and 'Jelly Bean', and a reflection period for pupils to consider their performance and that of their peers, using the key vocabulary learned during the session.