Gymnastics 1 - Lesson 4

Year 3 students are set to enhance their gymnastic skills in Lesson 4 of Gymnastics 1, where the learning objective is to perform a diverse array of shapes and balances on various apparatus. The success criteria for the lesson include the ability for pupils to travel safely on and over the equipment and to execute a variety of low and medium level shapes, incorporating different point balances. Key vocabulary terms such as 'entrance', 'exit', 'fluidity', 'control', and 'apparatus' are introduced, ensuring that the students understand the terminology associated with gymnastic movements. The equipment needed for the lesson includes gymnastics mats, cones, and various apparatus like benches, boxes, beams, and wall bars, all of which are to be used with safety mats positioned appropriately for protection.

The lesson kicks off with a warm-up segment lasting 10 minutes, where the class teacher demonstrates the 'GO' and 'STOP' signals using claps and encourages pupils to be aware of their space as they move in different ways, including walking, jogging, hopping, skipping, and running. The main part of the lesson, which takes 30 minutes, involves students working in small teams to practice using the apparatus safely and performing various gymnastic shapes such as pike, tuck, dish, arch, and straddle. Key teaching points include demonstrating safe entry and exit from the apparatus, using 'squashy knees' for jumps, and maintaining a strong core throughout. The lesson concludes with a 10-minute cool-down where students are guided through relaxation and reflection exercises, helping them to consolidate what they have learned about performing gymnastic shapes and balances.