Lesson 1 - Curled Shapes and Travelling
Balance & Flow Sequences
•Year 2
•Gymnastics
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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
Spread around apparatus stations
Alternative: Carpet squares or yoga mats
Create circuit around hall perimeter
Alternative: Chairs or sturdy blocks
Positioned for clear sound coverage
Alternative: Mobile phone with speaker
For timing apparatus setup challenge
Alternative: Phone timer
Mark apparatus group gathering points
Alternative: Bean bags or markers
Key Vocabulary
A rounded body position where the body curves like a ball
Using muscles to hold body weight in a position
A series of movements performed one after another
Staying steady and controlled in a position
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
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