Gymnastics 1 - Lesson 2

The second lesson in the Year 4 Gymnastics module is designed to enhance the pupils' ability to perform and critically evaluate gymnastic routines that incorporate matching balances on various pieces of apparatus. The lesson's objectives are for pupils to successfully mirror their partner's balances, safely utilise gymnastics equipment, and to be able to constructively evaluate and improve their performances. Key terms such as 'tension', 'balance', 'apparatus', and 'front support' are introduced, ensuring a clear understanding of the gymnastic concepts. Equipment needed for the lesson includes cones, safety mats, and a variety of gymnastics apparatus like benches, quoits, wall bars, and spring boards. The warm-up session involves setting up a safe zone with cones and engaging in activities like jogging, hopping, skipping, and animal safari movements to prepare the body for the main gymnastic activities.

The main portion of the lesson, lasting 30 minutes, encourages pupils to practice balancing on different pieces of apparatus placed around the learning area. They revisit balances from the previous lesson, such as standing balance, star roll, arabesque, and front and back support shapes. Pupils work in pairs to create short routines that include three matching balances, with an emphasis on safe entrances and exits from the apparatus. The lesson concludes with performances where each pair showcases their routine and receives feedback based on the success criteria. For the cool down, pupils are involved in a front support under duos activity and a reflection session lying on their backs, discussing what they did well, potential improvements, and their partner's strengths, using the key vocabulary learned to describe their performances.