Creative Movement Stories
•Reception
•Gymnastics
•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
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
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Vocabulary development with gymnastics terms, story comprehension and sequencing in Giant story, descriptive language for movement quality
Understanding forces and motion in rolling, body awareness and how muscles create movement, exploring concepts of balance and gravity
Move constantly between groups during skill development, position centrally for story-telling, stand where you can see all students during rolling practice
Watch for correct body shapes, controlled rolling technique, spatial awareness during movement, and positive social interactions
Step in immediately if unsafe rolling occurs, provide individual support for students struggling with technique, redirect attention if students become distracted
Always demonstrate movements clearly before students attempt them, show both correct technique and common mistakes, use exaggerated movements for clarity
Large indoor space minimum 10m x 8m with clear floor area for mat placement
Clean, dry, non-slip surface suitable for gymnastics mats and safe movement
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess student safety, provide appropriate first aid, and contact school procedures if needed
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