Gymnastics 1 - Lesson 6

In the sixth lesson of the Year 4 Gymnastics 1 module, students are expected to perform and critically assess a routine that incorporates movements on and over various pieces of gymnastics apparatus. The lesson's success is gauged by the pupils' ability to integrate previous learning into their routines, execute linked movements on the equipment, and evaluate and enhance their performances. Key terms such as tension, balance, entrance, transition, fluency, and exit are introduced, alongside concepts like low and medium level shapes, points of contact, travelling, routines, and apparatus. The necessary equipment for the lesson includes cones to delineate the safe zone, safety gymnastic mats, bibs, and a selection of apparatus such as benches, quoits, wall bars, jumping boxes or vaults, and springboards.

The lesson starts with a warm-up involving spatial awareness activities, where students jog, hop, skip, run, and play directional games to understand the importance of space. A twist on the classic game of Rock, Paper, Scissors is introduced, using body shapes to represent the elements. As the main activity, pupils are tasked with laying out mats and setting up apparatus with their partners, then revisiting balances from previous lessons and exploring how to make them more challenging. They are then instructed to link these shapes in various ways across the apparatus, holding each balance for three seconds with correct form. The key part of the lesson involves creating and performing a short routine with their partner, incorporating linking movements and balances, and using prior knowledge of transitions such as rolls and stands. The lesson concludes with a cool-down where pupils reflect on their performance and think about improvements for future gymnastics activities.