Gymnastics 3 - Lesson 1

In the first lesson of Gymnastics 3 for Year 3 pupils, the learning objectives are centred around performing a variety of jumps and leaps with control and precision. The success criteria for the lesson include the ability to take off and land with control, complete a jump with a full turn, and perform a cat leap. Key vocabulary terms such as 'jumping', 'landing', 'cat leap', 'pike', 'straddle', 'half turn', and 'full turn' are introduced. The lesson requires equipment such as hoops, benches, mats, spots or flat markers, and gym tables. The warm-up consists of hoop work, where pupils practice controlling their movements by moving around the hoop with their hands and feet in different positions, either alone or in pairs if resources are limited.

The main part of the lesson is divided into three activities. The first focuses on take-off and landing techniques, with pupils practising various types of jumps from a bench onto a mat, emphasising the correct arm swing and landing posture. The second activity introduces different jumps such as the cat leap, pike jump, and straddle jump, with key teaching points on the correct execution of each. Pupils work on these jumps, aiming to increase their height and distance. The third activity involves jumps with turns, where pupils are taught to use their core muscles for twists and to maintain their landing spot. The lesson concludes with a cool-down involving bunny hops, where pupils jump on either side of a bench for a set time. Throughout the lesson, pupils engage in discussions to reflect on the skills they've learned and the challenges they've faced.