Gymnastics 2 - Lesson 5

In the fifth lesson of Gymnastics 2 for Year 3, students are set to develop their backward roll technique with an emphasis on a variety of starting and finishing positions. The learning objectives are clear: pupils should be able to take weight on their hands, support body weight by pushing off their hands, roll with their chin tucked in, and complement the backward roll with diverse positions. Key vocabulary such as 'rolling', 'weight', 'tuck shape', and 'straddle' is introduced, and the necessary equipment includes gymnastics mats and a class set of cones. The lesson begins with a warm-up consisting of gentle stretches and balance exercises, where students jog around, find a cone, and balance a body part on the floor, understanding the importance of warming up to prevent injury.

The main part of the lesson, lasting 30 minutes, focuses on the backward roll. Students start by demonstrating the ready position on their mats and then the class teacher models the backward roll, emphasizing the medium-level tuck shape, chin on chest, and 'bunny ears' hand position. Pupils are encouraged to think about which parts of their body they are rolling onto, aiming to roll from heels to bottom to back, and then push off from their hands to complete the roll. For those needing assistance, a slide-like setup using mats is created to help them practice the motion. The lesson proceeds with the teacher modelling different entries and exits into the backward roll, such as the medium-level pike, arch, and dish, with corresponding low-level finishes. The session concludes with a cool-down involving jogging, hopping, skipping, and reflection on what was learned and how to improve further.