Gymnastics 3 - Lesson 2

In the second lesson of Gymnastics 3 for Year 2, students are expected to develop two fundamental gymnastics shapes and incorporate them into a sequence. The lesson's learning objectives are focused on enabling pupils to transition from a tuck shape to a standing position, perform a strong pencil shape followed by a roll, and successfully link a roll with a travel and balance motion. Key vocabulary for this lesson includes terms such as 'shapes', 'tuck', 'pencil', 'rolls', 'tensing', 'routine', 'linking', and 'front support'. To facilitate the activities, the necessary equipment comprises mats and, for an extension activity, music. The warm-up session is designed to last 10 minutes and includes a variety of movements, such as circling wrists, shoulders, arms, hips, knees, and ankles, as well as rotating the head, seated straddle, back arch, and back hollow exercises.

The main part of the lesson spans 35 minutes and begins with the 'Tuck, rock & stand' activity, where students work in pairs on a mat, practising rocking in a tuck shape and helping each other to stand. This is followed by the 'Pencil roll' exercise, where students work with a new partner to test body tension and perform rolls from a pencil shape. The final activity, 'Travel / pencil roll / Balance', has students create a sequence using a travel, pencil roll, and a balance to move across the mat. The lesson concludes with a 10-minute cool down, where students practise front and back supports. Throughout the lesson, key teaching points are emphasised, and opportunities for pupil talk are provided to encourage reflection and understanding of the exercises performed.