Gymnastics 1 - Lesson 2

In the second lesson of a Year 3 gymnastics series, students are encouraged to develop their skills in creating and performing a short gymnastic sequence involving matching and mirroring movements. The learning objectives are clearly laid out, aiming for pupils to be able to mirror and match movements, consolidate their understanding of different shapes from prior lessons, and craft a sequence of these movements. The success criteria ensure that students can demonstrate these skills effectively. Key vocabulary such as 'entrance', 'exit', 'fluidity', 'control', and various levels of shapes are introduced to enhance the pupils' understanding and execution of the movements. The equipment required for the lesson includes gymnastics mats and cones to help define the space and provide structure to the activities.

The lesson is structured with a warm-up session where the class teacher demonstrates gentle stretches, and pupils are encouraged to find a space and respond to commands that involve executing medium-level shapes, balances, and spins. The main part of the lesson focuses on matching and mirroring shapes, with the teacher modelling sequences that include an entrance, a mix of low and medium-level shapes, and an exit. Pupils work in pairs to practise these sequences, paying special attention to holding each shape for three seconds and transitioning between shapes with fluidity and control. They are also prompted to explore mirroring activities, using alternate leg and arm shapes such as pike, tuck, dish, arch, and straddle. The session concludes with pupils refining and performing their sequences to their peers, followed by a cool-down period where they reflect on their performance and receive feedback on what they did well and areas for improvement.