Start Planning Better PE Lessons

Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.

What's included

  • Complete activity instructions & timing
  • Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
  • Assessment guidance & success criteria
  • Downloadable lessons & units
No credit card
Free forever
Big Question

Can we move like a champion gymnast by linking movements together?

Learning Objectives

  • To apply 'champion gymnastics' principles when creating sequences
  • To link 3 movements and one balance on apparatus with flow
  • To demonstrate high, low, wide, narrow and curled movements in sequences

Key Outcomes

  • Students will create a sequence containing 3 movements and 1 balance on apparatus
  • Students will demonstrate champion-level movement quality with control and extension
  • Students will give constructive feedback to improve others' sequences

Equipment & Resources Required

Gymnastics Mats
Mixed selection (benches, mats, boxes, wall bars)

Arrange apparatus around the space without zones for student choice

Alternative: Chairs, tables, playground equipment

Large Gym Mats
8-12

Place under and around apparatus for safety

Alternative: Yoga mats, carpet squares

Cards
1 set

Wide, narrow, curled cards available for less able students

Alternative: Written list on board

Key Vocabulary

Sequence

A series of movements performed one after another in a planned order

Linking

Connecting movements smoothly without stopping

Flow

Moving smoothly from one movement to the next without pausing

Champion gymnastics

High-quality movement with excellent body tension, extension and control

Balance

Holding a still position showing control and strength

Extension

Stretching body parts to create long, straight lines

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic gymnastics shapes (wide, narrow, curled)
  • Individual balances on apparatus
  • Basic rolls and jumps

Current Skills

  • Linking movements with flow
  • Strategic placement of balances in sequences
  • Quality movement with extension and control

Next Steps

  • Complex linking with direction changes
  • Partner and group sequences
  • Advanced apparatus combinations

Milestone Indicators

1
Smooth transitions between movements
2
Controlled starts and finishes
3
Consistent champion-level movement quality

Key Teaching Points

  • Champion gymnastics requires control, extension and flow in all movements
  • Sequences tell a story through connected movements without stopping
  • Balances can be placed strategically anywhere in a sequence for different effects
  • Flow is created through smooth transitions between movements
  • Peer feedback should be specific, positive and helpful for improvement
  • Quality is more important than complexity in sequence creation
  • Champion shapes (wide, narrow, curled) can enhance movement variety

Common Misconceptions

  • Sequences must always end with a balance - clarify that balances can be placed anywhere
  • Harder movements make better sequences - emphasise that flow and quality matter more than difficulty
  • Stopping between movements is acceptable - teach that true sequences flow continuously
  • All sequences should look the same - encourage creativity and personal expression
  • Only gymnasts can create good sequences - reinforce that everyone can be a champion with practice

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter activity segments, movement breaks, clear boundaries and expectations, positive reinforcement
dyspraxia
  • Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, visual and verbal cues combined, celebration of effort over outcome
autism spectrum
  • Clear structure with visual sequence cards, predictable routine, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
  • Clear verbal descriptions of apparatus layout, tactile exploration of equipment before use, partner support for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
  • Visual demonstrations of all movements, written sequence cards, clear visual signals for start/stop
physical disability
  • Adapted apparatus heights, seated variations of movements, modified balances using support

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Developing vocabulary for movement description, sequencing skills, giving and receiving constructive feedback

Maths

Counting sequences of movements, understanding patterns and order, measuring time for balance holds

Science

Understanding balance and forces, exploring how body position affects stability, investigating smooth motion and flow

PSHE

Working cooperatively with partners, building confidence through achievement, developing resilience when sequences don't work perfectly

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Mobile throughout lesson, positioning for maximum visibility of all apparatus and students

Observation Focus

Flow between movements, balance stability, champion movement quality, and safe apparatus use

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for safety concerns, provide individual coaching for sequence development, facilitate positive peer interactions

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated examples to show difference between champion and ordinary movement, demonstrate flow concept clearly, model positive peer feedback

Verbal Cues
  • •'Champion movements!'
  • •'Show me your flow!'
  • •'Hold that balance!'
  • •'Smooth transitions!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large gymnasium or hall, minimum 15m x 12m with apparatus storage areas

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, dry and clean, appropriate for gymnastics movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • •All apparatus checked for stability before student use
  • •Mats positioned under and around all apparatus
  • •Apparatus height appropriate for Year 2 ability
  • •No damaged or worn equipment in use

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • •Falls from apparatus
  • •Collisions between students
  • •Overconfidence leading to unsafe attempts
  • •Equipment movement during use
Risk Mitigation
  • •Clear progression from floor to apparatus work
  • •Appropriate apparatus selection for student ability
  • •Strategic student pairing for support
  • •Continuous teacher supervision and positioning

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • •Position for maximum visibility of all apparatus
  • •Move actively between working students
  • •Monitor apparatus stability throughout lesson
  • •Immediate intervention for unsafe practices
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, appropriate first aid, clear communication with school office