This unit introduces Year 1 students to the fundamental concepts of balance and spinning through creative exploration of body shapes and positions. The focus is on developing body awareness, control, and aesthetic understanding while introducing mathematical concepts of symmetry and asymmetry through movement. Through progressive partner work, students learn collaboration and mutual support whilst building confidence in their gymnastic abilities.

Lessons in This Unit

6 lessons in this unit

Lesson 1

Balancing and Spinning on Patches
1h 9min

Big Question:

How can we use different parts of our body to create balanced shapes and controlled spins?

Key Objectives:

  • • Perform controlled spins on different body parts (patches)
  • • Support body weight in symmetrical balances with control

Lesson 2

Asymmetrical Spins and Balances
45 min

Big Question:

How can we create beautiful movements that are not the same on both sides of our body?

Key Objectives:

  • • Perform asymmetrical spins on different body patches (side, front, back, bottom)
  • • Create and hold asymmetrical balances between spins

Lesson 3

Partner Formations and Symmetrical Balances
45 min

Big Question:

How can we work together to create beautiful symmetrical and asymmetrical shapes?

Key Objectives:

  • • Work with a partner to perform routines in different formations
  • • Perform a combination of symmetrical and asymmetrical spins on patches

Lesson 4

Spinning and Balancing on Points
45 min

Big Question:

How can we create exciting sequences by spinning and balancing on different points of our body?

Key Objectives:

  • • To spin at different levels using points of the body as contact with the floor
  • • To perform a sequence combining spins and balances on points with symmetrical and asymmetrical shapes

Lesson 5

Multi-Level Balancing and Sequences
1h 6min

Big Question:

How can we create exciting gymnastics sequences using balances at different heights?

Key Objectives:

  • • To hold balances securely at low, medium and high levels
  • • To spin out of balances to form a flowing sequence

Lesson 6

Partner Formations and Routine Performance
45 min

Big Question:

How can we work together with a partner to create gymnastic sequences that look amazing from every angle?

Key Objectives:

  • • Perform spins and balances in different formations as part of a wider routine
  • • Work cooperatively with a partner to create and perform sequences