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Lesson 4 - Moving in Pairs

Champion Gymnasts: Foundation Movement and Body Awareness

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Reception

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Gymnastics

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30 min

Big Question

How can we move like champion gymnasts together with a partner?

Learning Objectives

To apply 'champion gymnastics' exploring movements in a pair on the floor and on apparatus
To develop partner cooperation and movement copying skills
To create big and small movements both on floor and apparatus

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate champion movements (silent, pointed fingers and toes, still shapes)
Students will successfully lead and follow movement patterns with a partner
Students will create varied movements using different body parts on floor and apparatus

Equipment & Resources Required

Gymnastics Mats

6-8 mats

Spread around hall for floor work area

Alternative: Carpet squares or defined floor spaces

Benches

3-4 benches

Position with space around for safe movement

Alternative: Low balance beams or lines on floor

Apparatus

Various pieces

Create stations for over, under, through movements

Alternative: Boxes, tunnels, low tables

Hoops

4-6 hoops

Place as targets or boundaries for movement

Alternative: Chalk circles or rope circles

Music Player

Optional background music for movement flow

Alternative: Voice counting or clapping

Key Vocabulary

Champion gymnast

A gymnast who moves silently, points their fingers and toes, and makes still, controlled shapes

Big movements

Movements that use lots of space and stretched body parts

Small movements

Movements that use little space with tucked or compact body parts

Leader and follower

One partner creates movements while the other copies exactly

Body parts

Different parts we can travel on: feet, hands, knees, bottom, tummy

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic locomotor movements (walking, running, jumping)
Understanding of high and low levels
Simple shape-making with body

Current Skills

Partner cooperation and following
Big and small movement contrasts
Basic apparatus work with partner

Next Steps

Sequence building with partner
More complex apparatus combinations
Creative partner choreography

Milestone Indicators

Maintains champion posture consistently

Demonstrates clear big/small movement contrast

Shows empathy and cooperation with partner

Key Teaching Points

Champion gymnasts move with pointed fingers and toes, silent landings, and controlled shapes
Partner work requires communication, patience, and taking turns to lead and follow
Big movements use maximum space and energy, small movements use minimal space with precision
Safety on apparatus comes first - always watch partner demonstrate before attempting
Different body parts can be used for travelling - hands, knees, tummy, feet
Spatial concepts of over, under, through, and around can be explored on apparatus
Cooperation and empathy are essential for successful partner gymnastics

Common Misconceptions

Thinking 'champion' means fastest or strongest - actually means controlled and precise
Believing that copying means doing movements at exactly the same time - following means after watching
Assuming big movements must be wild or uncontrolled - they should still maintain good form
Thinking apparatus work is about showing off - focus should be on safe, controlled movement
Believing that leaders always have to create new movements - good leading includes clear, copyable movements

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear movement boundaries, regular praise for focus and control

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, extra demonstration time, patient partner pairings

autism spectrum

Clear routines for partner changes, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use verbal cues for movement direction, partner provides gentle guidance, use tactile markers on apparatus

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, hand signals for start/stop, written instruction cards with pictures

physical disability

Adapted apparatus heights, seated partner work options, focus on achievable movements

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Spatial awareness, understanding over/under/through concepts, counting movements and timing

Science

Forces and movement, balance and stability, how the body moves

Communication and Language

Following instructions, using positional language, discussing movements with partner

PSHE

Working with others, empathy through partnership, building confidence

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly around apparatus areas, positioning for maximum visibility of all partnerships

Observation Focus

Watch for partner cooperation, safe apparatus use, and champion movement qualities

Intervention Points

Step in if partnerships not working well, apparatus use becomes unsafe, or students struggling with concepts

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate partner work with another adult or confident student, emphasise safety first on apparatus

Verbal Cues

•'Remember your pointed fingers and toes!'
•'Check your partner is ready!'
•'Champion movements are silent and controlled!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 10m x 15m clear space with apparatus storage area

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from hazards, mats positioned for safe landings

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all apparatus is stable and secure before use
•Ensure mats are positioned under and around apparatus
•Verify apparatus height appropriate for Reception students

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls from apparatus
•Collisions between partners
•Inappropriate apparatus use
•Overconfidence leading to unsafe movements

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries around apparatus areas
•Teacher demonstration before student attempts
•Partner system provides built-in safety monitoring
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all apparatus
•Move around constantly monitoring partnerships
•Stay close to apparatus areas during main activity

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal, assess injury, appropriate first aid, inform office if serious