Body Control Skills
•Reception
•Gymnastics
•Position safely with mats underneath for landing
Alternative: Low boxes or benches
Secure firmly, check for splinters
Alternative: Long low boxes
Place under all apparatus for safe landing
Alternative: Crash mats
Arrange in lines of 4 for jumping activities
Alternative: Chalk circles on floor
One per mat station for rolling activities
Alternative: Bean bags or soft balls
For ice and sun warm-up game
Alternative: Coloured bean bags
Large enough for whole class to see
Alternative: Hand-drawn shape cards
A curled shape where knees are pulled up to chest
A narrow shape with body extended in a line
A wide shape with arms and legs extended out
Bent at hips with straight legs and back
Legs wide apart with straight back
Equipment used in gymnastics like benches and tables
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Learning new vocabulary for shapes, describing movements and positions, following complex instructions
Counting to 3 when holding shapes, recognising 2D shapes in body positions, spatial concepts of wide/narrow
Understanding how muscles work when tensing for shapes, exploring balance and stability
Creating shapes with bodies like artists create shapes in drawings, exploring line and form
Taking turns and sharing apparatus, building confidence through achievement, supporting classmates
Move between stations during activities, central position for demonstrations
Watch for shape quality, apparatus confidence, and peer interaction
Step in when shapes are unclear, apparatus use is unsafe, or children need encouragement
Use exaggerated movements for clarity, involve children in demonstrations, repeat key shapes multiple times
Large hall or gymnasium with minimum 15m x 12m clear space
Non-slip surface, dry and clean, checked for hazards
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, record incident
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