Lesson 3 - Rolling Sequences and Body Arching
Balance & Flow Sequences
•Year 2
•Gymnastics
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How can I create smooth, flowing movements that change from stretched to curled positions?
Learning Objectives
- To create sequences with seamless transitions between stretches and curls
- To develop body arching skills with control and awareness
- To work at different levels using varied dynamics
Key Outcomes
- Students will perform smooth rolling sequences combining stretches and curls
- Students will demonstrate controlled body arching movements
- Students will give constructive feedback to partners about movement quality
Equipment & Resources Required
Arrange in circuit around hall with clear pathways between
Alternative: Yoga mats or carpet squares for individual work
Easily visible to teacher for timing activities
Alternative: Smartphone timer or wall clock
Charged and ready for filming student demonstrations
Alternative: Smartphone for video recording
Key Vocabulary
A series of movements performed one after another in a planned order
The smooth movement from one position or shape to another
A curved body shape where the back is bent backwards
The speed, force, and energy used in movement
The height at which movements are performed - low, medium, or high
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic rolling movements (forward and sideways)
- Understanding of stretched and curled body shapes
- Safe apparatus handling and movement
Current Skills
- Seamless transitions between body shapes
- Controlled body arching
- Partner observation and feedback skills
Next Steps
- Complex gymnastics sequences on apparatus
- Advanced rolling combinations
- Creative movement composition
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Seamless transitions require slow, controlled movement - emphasise flow over speed
- Body arching must be progressive and controlled - never forced or excessive
- Partner work develops observation skills and builds confidence through feedback
- Apparatus safety rules are non-negotiable and must be consistently enforced
- Physical confidence grows through appropriate challenge levels and positive reinforcement
- Different levels and dynamics add interest and complexity to movement sequences
- Self-assessment helps students take ownership of their learning and progress
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking faster movement creates better sequences - emphasise control and quality
- Believing arching means forcing the back into extreme positions - teach gradual, safe arching
- Assuming all students should attempt the same challenge level - promote appropriate differentiation
- Focusing only on individual performance - highlight the value of partner cooperation and feedback
- Thinking apparatus work is just 'playing' - emphasise skill application and purposeful movement
- Believing sequences must be complex to be good - celebrate simple, well-executed movements
- Assuming physical confidence means fearless risk-taking - define as controlled, appropriate challenge
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short activity bursts with clear transitions, movement breaks between instructions, fidget tools if helpful
dyspraxia
- Simplified sequences, extra demonstration time, peer support, reduced complexity in apparatus work
autism spectrum
- Clear structure with visual sequence cards, predictable routines, quiet zones for breaks if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use tactile markers for apparatus positions, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations with clear modelling, written instruction cards, hand signals for key concepts
physical disability
- Adapted apparatus heights, seated rolling variations, modified support positions with chair support
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Descriptive vocabulary for movement quality, following complex instructions, partner communication skills
Maths
Counting sequences, timing activities, measuring apparatus heights, understanding angles in body positions
Science
Body systems during exercise, forces and gravity in rolling movements, physics of arch structures
Art
Creating flowing movement compositions, understanding form and shape in human movement
PSHE
Building physical confidence, cooperation and teamwork, resilience when learning new skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around space to observe all students, with particular focus on apparatus areas during main activity
Observation Focus
Monitor seamless transitions, arch technique safety, partner cooperation, and physical confidence development
Intervention Points
Step in when students attempt unsafe arch positions, when apparatus rules are broken, or when sequences lack flow
Demonstration Notes
Use confident students to model excellent technique, particularly for transitions and arch positioning
Verbal Cues
- •'Smooth like honey flowing'
- •'Show me the difference between pencil and egg'
- •'Flow from one shape to the next'
- •'Control the arch - don't force it'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall or gymnasium with minimum 15m x 12m clear space for apparatus circuit
Surface Check
Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all apparatus stability before use
- •Ensure mats are flat and properly positioned
- •Verify apparatus is appropriate height for age group
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls from apparatus
- •Collisions during movement activities
- •Strain from incorrect arching technique
- •Equipment handling accidents
Risk Mitigation
- •Adequate matting around all apparatus
- •Clear movement pathways and spacing
- •Progressive skill building before apparatus work
- •Supervised apparatus handling with strict rules
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all apparatus stations
- •Active monitoring during apparatus set-up and pack-away
- •Close observation of arch technique development
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required