Gymnastics 3 - Lesson 2

In the second lesson of the Year 6 Gymnastics module, the objective is for pupils to create and perform a synchronised floor routine with a partner. The success of this lesson is measured by the pupils' ability to match their partner's movements, combine and link various balances and travels, and ultimately form a cohesive pair routine. The key vocabulary for this lesson includes terms such as 'travelling', 'balancing', 'routine', 'matching', 'control', 'timing', and 'linking'. To facilitate the activities, equipment such as mats and beanbags are required. The warm-up consists of a reaction game that encourages pupils to respond quickly to commands, with variations and extensions to challenge them further and foster engagement through group interaction and competition.

The main portion of the lesson spans 30 minutes and is divided into two activities. Initially, pupils are paired up to practice matching movements, such as point balances and jumps, with an emphasis on synchronisation and communication with their partner. This is followed by the creation of a matching floor routine, which is an extension of the previous lesson's individual routines. Pupils are given 10 minutes to choreograph a routine that integrates different balances and travels, each for a duration of five seconds, resulting in a routine of at least 50 seconds. The routine must feature matching movements with the partners side-by-side, and the class is split so some can perform while others observe, providing feedback. The lesson concludes with a cool down activity called the Caterpillar walk, where pupils work in teams to complete the walk across the mats, promoting teamwork and reflection on the lesson's activities.