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Lesson 3 - Introduction to Curled Movements and Shapes

Fundamental Body Shapes and Movement Vocabulary for Young Gymnasts

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Year 1

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Gymnastics

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45 min

Big Question

How can we move like champion gymnasts using curled movements and shapes?

Learning Objectives

To explore and create movements and balances in a curled way on the floor and apparatus
To apply 'champion gymnastics' principles to curled movements
To understand the difference between curled movements and curled shapes

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate curled movements on different body parts
Students will create and hold curled shapes for 4 seconds
Students will apply curled movements safely on apparatus

Equipment & Resources Required

Gymnastics Mats

7 large mats

Placed around activity zones for safety

Alternative: Carpet tiles or soft surface

Tambourine

For stop/start signals during activities

Alternative: Whistle or clapping

Apparatus

Various pieces

Set up in zones around the hall

Alternative: Benches, low boxes, tunnels

Gymnastics Benches

3-4

For travelling and balancing activities

Alternative: Low boxes or planks

Low Boxes

4-6

Various heights for different abilities

Alternative: Stepping blocks

Tunnels

2-3

For curled travelling through activities

Alternative: Archway or partner tunnels

Key Vocabulary

Curled

When the body is rounded and curved, like a ball or hedgehog

Champion gymnast

Moving silently, with pointed fingers and toes, and holding shapes still

Rolling

Moving the body in a curled way from one position to another

Balance

Staying still and controlled in a shape or position

Body parts

Different parts we can balance or move on (back, side, bottom, shoulders)

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic body awareness and control
Understanding of wide and narrow movements from previous lessons
Basic safety awareness in gymnastics

Current Skills

Curled body shapes and positions
Rolling movements in curled positions
Applying champion gymnastics principles to curled movements

Next Steps

Combining wide, narrow, and curled movements in sequences
Advanced rolling techniques
Partner work with curled movements

Milestone Indicators

Can distinguish curled from wide/narrow shapes

Maintains curled position during movement

Demonstrates control and stillness in shapes

Key Teaching Points

Curled means rounded like a ball with knees to chest and back curved
Champion gymnasts move silently with pointed fingers and toes
Safety first - always use mats and follow apparatus rules
Hold all shapes steady for 4 seconds to show control
Explore different body parts for making curled shapes
Rolling requires chin tucked to chest for safety
Creative exploration on apparatus while maintaining curled focus

Common Misconceptions

Thinking curled only means arms bent - correct by showing whole body rounding
Believing you can't point fingers/toes when curled - demonstrate extensions possible
Assuming rolling is just falling over - teach controlled, deliberate movement
Thinking apparatus work means abandoning floor skills - connect all learning
Believing curled shapes are the same as small shapes - emphasise the rounding quality

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear boundaries for apparatus zones, regular movement breaks, specific roles and responsibilities

dyspraxia

Slower progressions through rolling skills, extra support for balance activities, simplified apparatus arrangements

autism spectrum

Clear routine and structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet spaces available if needed

visual impairment

Use tactile cues for curled positions, verbal descriptions of apparatus layout, buddy system for apparatus work

hearing impairment

Visual signals for stop/start, demonstrate all movements clearly, use hand signals for tambourine cues

physical disability

Adapted curled positions as able, wheelchair-accessible apparatus where possible, focus on achievable movements

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting to 4 seconds, understanding shapes and curves, spatial awareness and directions

Science

Body parts and how they move, forces in rolling, balance and stability

Art

Creating shapes with bodies, understanding curved lines vs straight lines

PSHE

Cooperation and sharing, helping others, building confidence and resilience

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position allowing view of all apparatus zones, move between zones regularly

Observation Focus

Safety awareness, curled movement quality, creative problem-solving on apparatus

Intervention Points

Step in if safety concerns arise, support students struggling with curled concept

Demonstration Notes

Show curled positions clearly, emphasise safety in rolling, model champion gymnastics throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Stay curled like a ball!'
•'Champion silent movement!'
•'Point those fingers and toes!'
•'Hold it steady for 4 seconds!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m hall space, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, clean and dry, adequate ventilation

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All apparatus stable and correctly assembled
•Mats positioned under and around apparatus
•Regular equipment safety checks
•Age-appropriate apparatus heights

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during rolling activities
•Collisions during apparatus work
•Incorrect landing from apparatus
•Head injuries during forward/backward rolls

Risk Mitigation

•Adequate mat coverage for all activities
•Clear safety rules established and reinforced
•Progressive skill building from floor to apparatus
•Constant supervision during apparatus work
•Proper rolling technique taught (chin tucked)

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all apparatus zones
•Prioritise observation of rolling activities
•Monitor apparatus transitions carefully

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply first aid if trained, call for medical assistance if needed