Lesson 2 - Egg Roll and Log Roll Development
Creative Movement Stories
•Reception
•Gymnastics
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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
Arrange in parallel strips with 2-3 metre gaps between each
Alternative: Soft play mats, carpet tiles laid in strips
Scatter around open space for warm-up activity
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, spot markers
Place one cone at the start of each mat strip for organisation
Alternative: Bean bags, coloured markers, laminated shapes
Position for clear audio across whole space
Alternative: iPad with speaker, CD player
Key Vocabulary
A curved body position lying on back with arms and legs slightly raised
A curved body position lying on front with chest and feet slightly raised
Keeping muscles firm and controlled during movement
Knees pulled to chest with arms wrapped around legs
Rolling sideways with straight body like a rolling log
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
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