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This unit takes Year 1 students on a journey from individual exploration of gymnastics apparatus to creating collaborative sequences with partners. The focus is on building body awareness, spatial control, and creative expression whilst developing the social skills needed for synchronized and sequential partner work. Through playful analogies and progressive challenges, students discover how their bodies can move safely and expressively in gymnastics.

Lessons in This Unit

6 lessons in this unit

Lesson 1

Moving On, Off and Over Apparatus
45 min

Big Question:

How can we move our bodies safely and creatively on, off and over gymnastics apparatus?

Key Objectives:

  • • To develop the ability to move on, off and over apparatus using different body parts and levels
  • • To transfer floor sequences to apparatus work safely and creatively

Lesson 2

Rocking and Sequence Building
45 min

Big Question:

How can we use different body shapes to rock safely and create flowing sequences?

Key Objectives:

  • • To introduce and practise rocking movements using different body parts
  • • To experiment with rocking in various body shapes (tucked, pike, dish, arch)

Lesson 3

Spinning & Turning Levels
45 min

Big Question:

How can we control our bodies when spinning and turning at different levels like fairground rides?

Key Objectives:

  • • Experiment with spinning and turning on different parts of the body at different levels
  • • Adapt spins and turns on and off apparatus safely

Lesson 4

Unison Movement Patterns
45 min

Big Question:

How can we move together as one team at exactly the same time?

Key Objectives:

  • • To perform simple movement patterns in unison with others
  • • To understand and apply counting to maintain timing

Lesson 5

Canon Performance and Sequencing
45 min

Big Question:

How can we make our gymnastics movements look like a wave by performing them one after another?

Key Objectives:

  • • To understand and perform movements in canon (one after another)
  • • To link three basic gymnastic actions together in sequence

Lesson 6

Partner Shape Sequences
54 min

Big Question:

How can we work together to create a gymnastics sequence that tells a clear story with a beginning and end?

Key Objectives:

  • • To work with a partner to create a short sequence that includes elements of spin, turn and/or rock
  • • To select whether your sequence is going to be in unison or canon