Lesson 5 - Creating Curved Pathways in Gymnastics
Exploring Movement Pathways Through Creative Gymnastics
•Year 1
•Gymnastics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use curved pathways to make our gymnastics movements more beautiful and interesting?
Learning Objectives
- Create sequences using curved pathways on floor and apparatus
- Travel with control using different body parts
- Recognise and describe successful performance in self and others
Key Outcomes
- Students will create and perform sequences following curved pathways
- Students will demonstrate spider walking with correct technique
- Students will assess their own and others' performances using success criteria
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around hall for apparatus stations
Alternative: Yoga mats or movement mats
Positioned to create different height challenges
Alternative: Sturdy low benches or balance beams
Various heights for progressive challenge
Alternative: Stable platforms or raised surfaces
Mark starting positions and pathway guides
Alternative: Bean bags or spots
For timing apparatus setup challenges
Alternative: Phone timer or classroom clock
Capture assessment conversations for evidence
Alternative: Tablet or smartphone
Key Vocabulary
The route or line of travel your body follows through space
A smooth, rounded line that bends like part of a circle
A series of movements that flow together with a clear beginning and end
Moving on hands and feet with straight arms and legs like a spider
How high or low your body is - floor level, medium level, high level
Special gymnastics equipment like mats, benches, and boxes
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic travelling movements (walking, running, jumping)
- Simple balancing on hands and feet
- Following straight pathways
- Basic apparatus safety rules
Current Skills
- Creating curved pathway sequences
- Spider walking technique
- Combining floor and apparatus work
- Peer assessment skills
Next Steps
- Complex pathway combinations
- Advanced travelling techniques
- Partner sequence work
- Performance evaluation skills
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Curved pathways should flow smoothly like rainbows, not have sharp corners
- Spider walking requires straight arms and legs with body held high off the ground
- Sequences need clear beginning, middle and end with definite starting positions
- Peer feedback should be specific, kind, and focused on technique improvement
- Apparatus work must combine floor and equipment elements in curved pathways
- Safety rules for apparatus handling are non-negotiable and must be followed consistently
- Self-assessment helps students understand their own learning and progress
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking curved pathways are just zigzag movements - curves should be smooth and flowing
- Believing spider walking is about speed - it's about control and maintaining proper body position
- Assuming feedback means finding faults - good feedback recognises success first
- Thinking apparatus work is separate from floor work - they should be combined seamlessly
- Believing louder voices make better demonstrations - controlled, precise movements are more effective
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent activity changes built in, clear physical boundaries marked, regular movement breaks incorporated
dyspraxia
- Extra practice time for spider walking, simplified pathway patterns initially, additional visual/physical supports for technique
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet area available if needed, consistent routine for apparatus setup
visual impairment
- Use tactile markers for pathway boundaries, verbal descriptions of curved shapes, partner guidance for apparatus work
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all movements, clear visual signals for start/stop, written instruction cards available
physical disability
- Seated versions of pathway creation, adapted spider walking on knees or using walking aids, modified apparatus heights
Cross-Curricular Links
Science
Forces and motion in curved movements, balance and stability, body systems working during exercise
Art
Creating flowing, curved lines and patterns, aesthetic appreciation of movement sequences, visual design principles
Geography
Directional awareness, mapping pathways and routes, understanding of spatial relationships
Mathematics
Understanding of curved and straight lines, shape recognition, spatial awareness and direction, measuring pathways
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, giving and receiving feedback positively, self-confidence and resilience
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Circulate around hall perimeter for maximum visibility of all students, focus on apparatus area during equipment work
Observation Focus
Watch for pathway maintenance, safe apparatus use, quality of peer interactions, and technique development
Intervention Points
Step in if apparatus safety compromised, peer feedback becoming negative, or students attempting skills beyond ability
Demonstration Notes
Use large, clear movements to show curved pathways. Demonstrate spider walking with exaggerated straight limbs. Show contrast between good and developing technique.
Verbal Cues
- •'Smooth curves like a rainbow!'
- •'Spider bodies high off the ground!'
- •'What did you notice that was successful?'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum hall space 15m x 10m clear of obstacles for apparatus and movement activities
Surface Check
Clean, dry, non-slip surface essential for hand weight-bearing and rolling movements
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •All apparatus checked for stability before each use
- •Mats properly positioned under and around apparatus
- •Equipment stored safely around hall edges during activities
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during curved pathway movements
- •Falls from apparatus during pathway creation
- •Overexertion during spider walking
- •Unsafe equipment handling during setup/pack away
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear spacing between students during floor work
- •Apparatus safety rules enforced consistently
- •Progressive skill building from floor to apparatus work
- •Supervised equipment handling with buddy system
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of apparatus area
- •Monitor spider walking technique closely
- •Circulate during partner work to support feedback quality
Emergency Procedures
Stop, assess, appropriate first aid if needed, remove from activity if injured