🤸

Lesson 4 - Stretching with Apparatus

Balance & Flow Sequences

•

Year 2

•

Gymnastics

•

1h 5min

Big Question

How can we create exciting shapes with our bodies using stretching and curling movements on apparatus?

Learning Objectives

To stretch and curl whilst performing a variety of gymnastic movements
To show inversion and counter balance using apparatus safely
To demonstrate clear differences between stretching and curling positions

Key Outcomes

Students will perform controlled stretching and curling movements
Students will use apparatus to create counter balance and inversion positions
Students will create a sequence showing clear contrasts between stretched and curled shapes

Equipment & Resources Required

Gymnastics Mats

1 per apparatus station (6-8)

Distribute around hall with clear pathways between

Alternative: Tables, chairs, large cushions for support work

Music Player

Positioned for clear sound throughout space

Alternative: Voice commands, clapping rhythms

Stopwatch

For timing apparatus setup challenges

Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock

Cones

8-12

Mark clear boundaries and pathways

Alternative: Chalk lines, tape marks

Key Vocabulary

Stretching

Making your body or body parts as long and extended as possible

Curling

Making your body into a rounded, tucked shape

Inversion

Being upside down with feet higher than head

Counter balance

Using apparatus or partner to help maintain balance

Body tension

Keeping muscles tight to create strong, controlled shapes

Symmetrical

Both sides of the body doing the same thing

Asymmetrical

Different shapes on each side of the body

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic body shapes (straight, curved, wide, narrow)
Simple balances on different body parts
Safe movement around apparatus

Current Skills

Controlled stretching and curling movements
Counter balance techniques using apparatus
Inversion positions with support

Next Steps

Complex gymnastics sequences
Partner balancing and counter balance
Advanced apparatus work with flight

Milestone Indicators

Clear body tension in stretched positions

Smooth transitions between stretched and curled shapes

Confident use of apparatus for support and challenge

Key Teaching Points

Always emphasise safety in apparatus work - rules are non-negotiable
Make clear distinctions between stretching and curling throughout the lesson
Use character work to make body shapes memorable and engaging
Encourage creative interpretation while maintaining safety standards
Build confidence through progressive skill development from floor to apparatus
Use apparatus as a tool to enhance movement, not just a challenge to overcome
Celebrate effort and improvement alongside achievement in all activities

Common Misconceptions

Stretching means just reaching up with arms - clarify it involves whole body extension
Inversion work is dangerous - teach that proper technique makes it safe and beneficial
Apparatus work is only for advanced students - show how apparatus can support all abilities
Sequences must be complex to be good - emphasise quality over complexity
Gymnastics is only about strength - highlight the importance of control and artistry

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear physical boundaries, regular movement breaks during instruction

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for sequences, simplified apparatus challenges, visual cues for body positions

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson sections, consistent apparatus routines, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of all shapes, provide physical guidance for apparatus positioning, bright coloured apparatus where possible

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all movements, hand signals for apparatus work, written safety rules displayed

physical disability

Adapted apparatus heights, seated variations of stretching and curling, modified sequence requirements

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following complex instructions, describing movement qualities, character vocabulary from Toy Story

Maths

Symmetry and asymmetry concepts, counting movements in sequences, measuring apparatus setup spaces

Science

Forces and gravity in balance work, muscle groups in stretching and curling, levers in apparatus use

Art

Body shapes creating visual patterns, character interpretation through movement

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around apparatus stations maintaining overview of all groups

Observation Focus

Watch for apparatus safety, quality of movement, and student cooperation

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for unsafe apparatus use or unclear technique

Demonstration Notes

Use students to demonstrate good examples alongside teacher modelling

Verbal Cues

•'Strong body shapes!'
•'Use the apparatus to help you!'
•'Show me the difference!'
•'Safety first always!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall space minimum 15m x 12m for apparatus work and movement

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface checked for hazards before lesson

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All apparatus checked for stability and damage before use
•Mats positioned appropriately around all apparatus
•No more than 4-5 students per apparatus station

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls from apparatus
•Collisions during movement activities
•Improper lifting during apparatus setup
•Neck injury during inversion work

Risk Mitigation

•Clear apparatus safety rules taught and reinforced
•Proper supervision of all apparatus work
•Progressive skill building from floor to apparatus
•Emphasis on shoulder stand technique not headstand

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all apparatus stations
•Actively monitor inversion work
•Check apparatus setup and pack away procedures

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess student, provide appropriate first aid, inform office if serious