🤸

Lesson 5 - Creating Shapes in Pairs

Champion Gymnasts: Foundation Movement and Body Awareness

•

Reception

•

Gymnastics

•

45 min

Big Question

How can we work together to create amazing gymnastics shapes like champion gymnasts?

Learning Objectives

To create and hold various shapes in pairs on the floor and apparatus
To explore different ways of connecting with a partner through body shapes
To demonstrate 'champion gymnastics' qualities including stillness, pointed fingers and toes, and silent movement

Key Outcomes

Students will create high, low, big and small shapes with their partner
Students will demonstrate safe movement on apparatus while maintaining connected shapes
Students will show understanding of 'champion gymnastics' through controlled, silent movements

Equipment & Resources Required

Gymnastics Mats

4-6 pieces

Spread around hall for partner work space

Alternative: Foam mats, exercise mats

Music Player

Accessible for starting and stopping background music

Alternative: Phone with speaker, tablet

Cards

4-6 cards

Show different connection types and champion positions

Alternative: Laminated pictures, demonstration photos

Key Vocabulary

Champion gymnastics

Moving silently with pointed fingers and toes, holding shapes still

Connected shapes

Two people making shapes while touching each other

High shapes

Shapes that reach up towards the ceiling

Low shapes

Shapes that are close to the ground

Apparatus

Special gymnastics equipment we use for shapes and movement

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Students can create individual shapes on the floor
Students understand basic gymnastics positions
Students can work safely around apparatus

Current Skills

Creating connected shapes with a partner
Transferring partner shapes from floor to apparatus
Demonstrating 'champion gymnastics' qualities

Next Steps

Creating sequences of connected shapes
Adding movement between shapes
Performing partner routines with confidence

Milestone Indicators

Students hold connected shapes for 4+ seconds

Students demonstrate silent, controlled movement

Students create 3+ different connection methods

Key Teaching Points

Champion gymnastics means silent movement with pointed fingers and toes
Connected shapes require gentle touch and respect for partners
Safety first - one pair per apparatus, help each other
High, low, big, and small refer to different spatial directions
Hold all shapes still for 4 seconds to show control
Encourage creative problem-solving in partnership
Model positive partnership behaviour throughout

Common Misconceptions

Thinking 'connected' means holding hands only - show various body part connections
Confusing 'big' and 'high' - clarify directional differences
Believing gymnastics is about showing off - emphasise control and cooperation
Assuming apparatus work is more important than floor work - value both equally
Thinking champions must be perfect - celebrate effort and improvement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear boundaries for each activity, frequent position changes, celebrate focus and stillness

dyspraxia

Break down shape instructions into smaller steps, allow extra time for coordination, provide physical support if needed

autism spectrum

Clear visual routine cards, predictable partner pairing, quiet space available if overstimulated

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of shapes, allow tactile exploration of partner's shape, bright coloured mats for boundaries

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, partner can tap for communication, visual countdown for shape holds

physical disability

Adapted shapes using wheelchairs or walking aids, focus on possible connection points, alternative apparatus if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Body awareness, balance and stability, forces when connecting with partners

PSHE

Cooperation, respect for others, listening skills, celebrating differences

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location during floor work, circulating during apparatus work for close supervision

Observation Focus

Partner cooperation, safe apparatus use, demonstration of champion gymnastics qualities

Intervention Points

Step in if partner conflict arises, unsafe apparatus use observed, or students struggling with cooperation

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for shape demonstrations, always demonstrate with a student volunteer for partner work, model respectful partner interaction

Verbal Cues

•'Champion gymnastics - silent and still!'
•'Gentle touching, no pushing!'
•'Help your partner succeed!'
•'Point those fingers and toes!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall space, minimum 15m x 20m, with high ceiling for apparatus work

Surface Check

Non-slip floor surface, clean and dry, checked for obstacles or hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All apparatus checked for stability before use
•Mats correctly positioned under and around apparatus
•No sharp edges or loose components on equipment

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls from apparatus during partner work
•Collisions between pairs during floor work
•Inappropriate partner contact or rough handling
•Overbalancing during connected shapes

Risk Mitigation

•Clear space allocation between pairs
•Gradual progression from floor to apparatus
•Emphasis on gentle, respectful partner contact
•One pair per apparatus rule strictly enforced
•Continuous adult supervision during apparatus work

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all apparatus stations
•Circulate continuously during partner activities
•Monitor partner interactions for safety and respect

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if unsafe contact occurs, assess any injuries, ensure clear pathway for emergency access