Gymnastics 3 - Lesson 1

In the first lesson of Gymnastics 3 for Year 2, the learning objectives are centred around performing and developing dynamic balances with control. The success criteria set out for the pupils include the ability to balance using 'patches' and 'points', perform dynamic balances on low-level apparatus, and link still and dynamic balances. To facilitate these activities, a variety of equipment is utilised, such as large dice, benches, beams, ropes, tables, and mats. The warm-up involves a dice balance game where pupils use creativity to hold balances on the number of body parts indicated by the dice, aiming to maintain the position for ten seconds. This activity encourages pupils to focus and tense their muscles to achieve a stable balance.

The main session, lasting 35 minutes, delves deeper into the concepts of 'patches' (large parts of the body) and 'points' (small parts of the body), with pupils discussing these terms and giving examples. They then work in groups using 'Cue cards' to perform and identify balances described on these cards. The lesson progresses to dynamic balances, where pupils practice moving with control on different apparatus, including benches and beams. They are tasked with walking in various ways, such as on flat feet and tip-toes, to develop their dynamic balancing skills. To conclude, pupils link still and dynamic balances into short sequences, refining their ability to move with minimal wobble and maintain focus. A cool-down activity with mirror image stretches helps pupils reflect on the main focus of the lesson and what they aim to improve in their next gymnastics session.