🤸

Lesson 2 - Introduction to Narrow Movements and Shapes

Fundamental Body Shapes and Movement Vocabulary for Young Gymnasts

•

Year 1

•

Gymnastics

•

45 min

Big Question

How can we move our bodies in narrow ways while still being champion gymnasts?

Learning Objectives

Explore and demonstrate narrow movements whilst maintaining 'champion gymnastics' principles
Create and hold narrow shapes on different body parts for 4 seconds
Apply narrow movement concepts safely on gymnasium apparatus

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate narrow movements with control and precision
Students will create narrow shapes showing understanding of the concept
Students will apply narrow movements safely on various apparatus

Equipment & Resources Required

Tambourine

Keep within easy reach for signal giving

Alternative: Whistle, bell, or drum

Gymnastics Mats

Multiple stations

Spread around hall for floor work, then arranged under apparatus

Alternative: Yoga mats or carpeted area

Benches

3-4

Various heights for differentiated access

Alternative: Balance beams or low walls

Low Boxes

4-6

Different heights for progression

Alternative: Sturdy blocks or platforms

Tunnels

2-3

For moving through in narrow ways

Alternative: Large cardboard boxes

Key Vocabulary

Narrow

Making the body thin and straight, keeping arms and legs close together

Champion gymnastics

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

Body parts

Different parts of the body we can balance or move on (feet, hands, back, bottom, etc.)

Apparatus

Gymnastics equipment like mats, benches, and boxes used for movement exploration

Balance

Staying still and controlled in a position without wobbling

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Understanding of 'champion gymnastics' principles (silent movement, pointed fingers and toes, stillness in shapes)
Basic body awareness and control
Experience moving on different body parts

Current Skills

Narrow movement exploration
Creating narrow shapes on various body parts
Applying narrow concepts on apparatus

Next Steps

Combining narrow with wide movements
Creating sequences with narrow, wide and curled movements
Advanced narrow balances and transitions

Milestone Indicators

Maintains narrow body position during movement

Holds narrow shapes with stability for 4+ seconds

Demonstrates understanding of narrow vs other body shapes

Key Teaching Points

Narrow means keeping body parts close together like a pencil or rocket
Champion gymnastics principles apply to all movements (silent, pointed fingers/toes, controlled)
Balance shapes must be held still for 4 seconds to develop stability
Safety is paramount on apparatus - demonstrate before attempting
Different body parts can be used as bases for narrow shapes
Narrow movements can be applied over, under, through and along apparatus
Creativity should be encouraged within safe narrow movement principles

Common Misconceptions

Narrow only means standing straight with arms by sides - clarify it applies to all body positions
Balancing means you must wobble - teach that champion shapes are perfectly still
All movements must be slow - explain controlled doesn't always mean slow
Only feet can be used for balancing - demonstrate various body parts as bases
Apparatus work is just for advanced students - ensure all students access appropriate challenges

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular position changes, clear boundaries, frequent positive feedback, movement breaks built in

dyspraxia

Extra practice time, simplified instructions, physical guidance for positioning

autism spectrum

Clear routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Clear verbal descriptions of narrow shapes, tactile guidance for positioning, peer buddy support

hearing impairment

Visual signals for stop/start, demonstrations emphasised, written instructions displayed

physical disability

Adapted apparatus heights, alternative narrow shapes achievable from wheelchair/seated position

Cross-Curricular Links

English

New vocabulary (narrow, champion, apparatus), following complex instructions, describing movements

Maths

Counting to 4 during balance holds, understanding concepts of narrow/wide, spatial awareness and geometry

Science

Body parts and how they work together, balance and stability, forces acting on the body

PSHE

Following instructions, cooperation, supporting others, resilience when learning new skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand where all students can see demonstrations, move actively around apparatus zones during exploration

Observation Focus

Watch for narrow shape understanding, safe apparatus use, champion gymnastics principles

Intervention Points

Step in if narrow concepts not grasped, apparatus use becomes unsafe, or students struggling with balance

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate narrow positions clearly with exaggerated precision, use students as positive examples

Verbal Cues

•'Make your body thin like a pencil!'
•'Keep arms close to your body!'
•'Champion gymnasts are silent and controlled!'
•'Hold that narrow shape perfectly still!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 10m clear space for movement, additional space for apparatus stations

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All apparatus stable and appropriate height for Year 1
•Safety mats positioned around all apparatus
•Tambourine volume appropriate to avoid startling

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during balancing activities
•Collisions during movement games
•Unsafe apparatus use
•Slips during travelling movements

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for movement areas
•Adequate spacing between students during activities
•Progressive skill building from floor to apparatus
•Continuous supervision of apparatus use
•Clear safety rules explained and reinforced

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all apparatus stations
•Move actively between groups during apparatus work
•Monitor high-activity areas during games

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess any incidents, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if required