Gymnastics 3 - Lesson 4

In Year 3's Gymnastics lesson 4, the objective is for students to master the art of combining vaulting techniques into a seamless routine. The lesson is structured to help pupils confidently perform a leap frog over a vault, land in both straddle and squat positions on a vault, and integrate vaulting with other gymnastic skills such as balancing, travelling, and rolling. Key vocabulary for the session includes terms such as vault, squat, tuck, straddle, routine, turns, rolls, travels, and balances. The equipment required for the lesson includes four vaults, mats, gym tables, and springboards, ensuring a safe and effective learning environment for the students to practice their gymnastic skills.

The lesson begins with a warm-up where pupils assist in setting up the apparatus, which includes arranging mats and vaults in lines with adult supervision. They engage in a leap frog activity over the vaults, focusing on key techniques such as placing hands in the centre of the vault, jumping with height, and tucking knees into the body. The main part of the lesson involves pupils practicing different vaulting routines in groups, each starting with a vault and followed by a gymnastic skill such as a two-footed jump, travel, or balance. The routines are designed to encourage smooth transitions between movements and control over the body. The lesson concludes with a cool-down activity where pupils perform 'Cat leaps', a skill revisited from previous lessons, to unwind and reflect on their achievements and challenges throughout the session.