This unit introduces Year 1 students to fundamental gymnastics concepts through systematic body awareness development. The 'champion gymnast' theme creates aspiration whilst making movement exploration feel achievable and exciting. Through progressive shape work (wide, narrow, curled), students develop spatial awareness, body control, and the foundation skills needed for future gymnastics learning.

Lessons in This Unit

6 lessons in this unit

Lesson 1

Introduction to 'Big' Body Parts
45 min

Big Question:

How can we move like champion gymnasts using the big parts of our bodies?

Key Objectives:

  • • To explore movements and balances using the 'big' parts of our bodies (tummy, back, side, bottom)
  • • To apply 'champion gymnastics' principles including silent movement, pointed fingers and toes

Lesson 2

Small Body Parts Movement and Balance
45 min

Big Question:

How can we move like champion gymnasts using the small parts of our bodies?

Key Objectives:

  • • To explore movements and balances using small body parts (hands, knees, elbows, feet)
  • • To apply 'champion gymnastics' principles during movement and balance activities

Lesson 3

Combining Body Part Movements
45 min

Big Question:

How can we move like champion gymnasts using different body parts in wide, narrow and curled ways?

Key Objectives:

  • • Students will combine 'big' and 'small' body parts with 'wide', 'narrow' and 'curled' movements
  • • Students will create controlled, balanced shapes using different body parts

Lesson 4

Transition Between Wide, Narrow and Curled Shapes
45 min

Big Question:

How can we move like champion gymnasts using different body parts to create wide, narrow and curled shapes?

Key Objectives:

  • • To transition smoothly between wide, narrow and curled shapes using big and small body parts
  • • To demonstrate 'champion' movements with control and precision

Lesson 5

Linking Body Part Movements
45 min

Big Question:

Can we link our champion movements together to create flowing sequences?

Key Objectives:

  • • To combine two movement patterns using different body parts
  • • To add balances to create mini-sequences

Lesson 6

Creative Movement Combinations
45 min

Big Question:

How can we link our movements together like champion gymnasts?

Key Objectives:

  • • To creatively combine two different movement sequences using apparatus
  • • To apply champion-level body positioning while linking movements together