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Lesson 2 - Egg Roll and Log Roll Development

Creative Movement Stories

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Reception

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Gymnastics

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45 min

Big Question

How can we roll our bodies smoothly like different shapes in nature?

Learning Objectives

To demonstrate shapes and movements from previous lessons with control
To perform egg roll and log roll with correct technique and body tension
To combine rolls and shapes in a creative movement sequence

Key Outcomes

Students will perform dish and arch shapes with good body tension
Students will complete egg rolls and log rolls maintaining smooth movement
Students will create and perform their own version of the Giant story using rolls and shapes

Equipment & Resources Required

Gymnastics Mats

4-5 strips for rolling lanes

Arrange in parallel strips with 2-3 metre gaps between each

Alternative: Soft play mats, carpet tiles laid in strips

Hoops

1 per 3 students (8-10 hoops)

Scatter around open space for warm-up activity

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, spot markers

Coloured Cones

4-5 cones (one per mat strip)

Place one cone at the start of each mat strip for organisation

Alternative: Bean bags, coloured markers, laminated shapes

Tunnel Systems

1 speaker/device

Position for clear audio across whole space

Alternative: iPad with speaker, CD player

Key Vocabulary

Dish shape

A curved body position lying on back with arms and legs slightly raised

Arch shape

A curved body position lying on front with chest and feet slightly raised

Body tension

Keeping muscles firm and controlled during movement

Tuck shape

Knees pulled to chest with arms wrapped around legs

Log roll

Rolling sideways with straight body like a rolling log

Egg roll

Rolling forward or backward in a tucked shape

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic body shapes (tuck, straight, star)
Safe movement around the space
Following simple instructions and stopping on command

Current Skills

Egg roll technique with tucked shape
Log roll technique with dish and arch shapes
Combining shapes and rolls in sequence

Next Steps

Forward rolls with support
Linking rolls with jumps and balances
Creating longer movement sequences

Milestone Indicators

Maintains body tension throughout rolls

Rolls in straight lines without veering

Shows clear difference between egg and log roll techniques

Key Teaching Points

Body tension is essential for controlled rolling - emphasise firm muscles throughout movements
Dish and arch shapes are the foundation for successful log rolling technique
Head and feet must stay off the mat during egg rolls to maintain smooth movement
Quality and control are more important than speed in all rolling activities
Creative expression should be encouraged within the safety framework of proper technique
Partner work develops both physical skills and important social cooperation
Story context makes skill practice more engaging and meaningful for young children

Common Misconceptions

Thinking rolling faster makes it better - emphasise control and technique over speed
Believing they need to use hands and arms to help with rolling - teach body tension instead
Assuming all rolls are the same - clearly differentiate between egg and log roll techniques
Thinking they can't do it if first attempt isn't perfect - emphasise learning process and improvement
Believing gymnastics is only for flexible people - show that everyone can learn basic skills with practice

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Include frequent movement breaks, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use partner work for additional focus and support

dyspraxia

Break down movements into smaller steps, provide additional practice time, offer physical guidance for body positioning and sequencing

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of lesson sections, allow sensory breaks if needed, use clear routine and predictable structure throughout

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, provide tactile guidance for body positioning, clear verbal descriptions of all movements and spatial layout

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written story sequence, ensure students can see teacher clearly at all times

physical disability

Adapt rolling to seated or supported positions, allow partial movements to achieve same learning objectives, modify equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development with gymnastics terms, story comprehension and sequencing in Giant story, descriptive language for movement quality

Science

Understanding forces and motion in rolling, body awareness and how muscles create movement, exploring concepts of balance and gravity

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly between groups during skill development, position centrally for story-telling, stand where you can see all students during rolling practice

Observation Focus

Watch for correct body shapes, controlled rolling technique, spatial awareness during movement, and positive social interactions

Intervention Points

Step in immediately if unsafe rolling occurs, provide individual support for students struggling with technique, redirect attention if students become distracted

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate movements clearly before students attempt them, show both correct technique and common mistakes, use exaggerated movements for clarity

Verbal Cues

•'Tight like an egg!' for tuck position
•'Straight like a log!' for log roll setup
•'Smooth and controlled!' to emphasise technique over speed
•'Hold your shape!' to maintain body tension

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor space minimum 10m x 8m with clear floor area for mat placement

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface suitable for gymnastics mats and safe movement

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check mats are flat and secured with no raised edges or gaps
•Ensure hoops have no cracks or sharp edges
•Verify cones are soft and positioned safely away from rolling areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during warm-up activities
•Rolling off edges of mats during skill practice
•Head or neck strain from incorrect rolling technique

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all movement activities
•Adequate spacing between mat strips to prevent collisions
•Progressive skill building from static shapes to rolling movements
•Constant supervision during all rolling activities
•Emphasis on controlled movement rather than speed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all mat strips during rolling practice
•Move between groups during skill development for individual support
•Monitor for signs of fatigue affecting technique and safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess student safety, provide appropriate first aid, and contact school procedures if needed