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Lesson 1 - Curled Shapes and Travelling

Balance & Flow Sequences

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Year 2

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Gymnastics

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Big Question

How can we travel and balance using curled shapes whilst supporting our own body weight?

Learning Objectives

To travel in different curled positions showing control and coordination
To support body weight in curled positions demonstrating strength and balance
To create and perform sequences combining curled travelling and balancing

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate controlled travelling in curled positions
Students will show they can support their body weight in static curled balances
Students will create sequences combining travelling and balancing with curled shapes

Equipment & Resources Required

Gymnastics Mats

6-8 mats

Spread around apparatus stations

Alternative: Carpet squares or yoga mats

Apparatus

6 stations (benches, low tables, boxes)

Create circuit around hall perimeter

Alternative: Chairs or sturdy blocks

Music Player

Positioned for clear sound coverage

Alternative: Mobile phone with speaker

Stopwatch

For timing apparatus setup challenge

Alternative: Phone timer

Cones

Mark apparatus group gathering points

Alternative: Bean bags or markers

Key Vocabulary

Curled shape

A rounded body position where the body curves like a ball

Support

Using muscles to hold body weight in a position

Sequence

A series of movements performed one after another

Balance

Staying steady and controlled in a position

Travel

Moving from one place to another

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students can travel on hands and feet
Students understand basic body shapes (straight, wide)
Students can follow simple movement instructions

Current Skills

Creating and holding curled body positions
Travelling in curled shapes in multiple directions
Supporting body weight in curled balances

Next Steps

Combining curled shapes with apparatus work
Creating longer sequences with smooth transitions
Adding levels and speeds to curled movements

Milestone Indicators

Maintains curled shape throughout movement

Shows control when changing direction

Demonstrates strength in weight-bearing positions

Key Teaching Points

Maintain curled body shape throughout all movements and positions
Focus on controlled, smooth movements rather than speed
Support body weight safely using appropriate muscle engagement
Show clear direction changes in travelling (forwards, backwards, sideways)
Demonstrate respect and safety during apparatus work
Build sequences progressively from simple to complex elements
Use core strength to maintain positions and control movements

Common Misconceptions

Thinking curled shapes are just about making yourself small - clarify that it's about specific curved body positioning
Believing faster movement shows better skill - emphasise control and quality over speed
Assuming all students can support their body weight equally - provide appropriate modifications and progressions
Thinking apparatus work is just about getting on equipment - focus on purposeful skill development using apparatus
Believing that struggling students aren't achieving - celebrate effort and personal progress at all levels

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent movement opportunities, use clear visual boundaries for activities

dyspraxia

Simplify movement patterns initially, provide extra demonstration and practice time, use wall or support for balance activities

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of lesson activities, allow for sensory breaks if needed, use consistent routines for apparatus work

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of curled shapes, provide tactile guidance for positioning, ensure clear verbal instructions for all movements

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and gestures, written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher at all times

physical disability

Adapt curled positions to seated or supported versions, modify travelling to rolling or assisted movement, use wheelchair-accessible apparatus

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following complex instructions, using descriptive vocabulary for shapes and movements, giving constructive feedback

Maths

Counting in sequences, understanding directions (forwards/backwards/sideways), timing and measuring positions

Science

Understanding muscles and how they work to support body weight, learning about balance and centre of gravity

PSHE

Building resilience through physical challenges, teamwork and cooperation, celebrating others' achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around class to observe all students, position near apparatus during equipment work for safety

Observation Focus

Watch for maintenance of curled shapes, control during travelling, strength in weight-bearing positions

Intervention Points

Step in if students losing curled shape focus, provide support for struggling students, ensure safety with apparatus

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when showing curled shapes, demonstrate from different angles so all students can see

Verbal Cues

•'Keep that curled shape!'
•'Strong muscles to support yourself!'
•'Smooth and controlled movements!'
•'Think about where your body is in space!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 10m clear space plus apparatus stations around perimeter

Surface Check

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

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All apparatus checked for stability before use
•Mats positioned appropriately for comfort and safety
•Equipment carried and set up according to safety procedures

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Dizziness from rolling movements
•Muscle strain from weight-bearing positions
•Collisions during travelling activities
•Apparatus-related injuries if equipment unstable

Risk Mitigation

•Gradual progression from simple to complex movements
•Clear movement boundaries and traffic management
•Regular checks on student well-being during physical challenges
•Strict apparatus safety procedures enforced

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all activities
•Monitor individual students for fatigue or difficulty
•Ensure apparatus rules are followed consistently

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid if needed, contact office if serious injury