Lesson 2 - Twists & Rolls with Pathways
Partner Control Basics
•Year 2
•Gymnastics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use our whole body to twist, roll and change direction like gymnasts?
Learning Objectives
- To develop the skill of twisting into rolls with control
- To learn how to change pathways by spinning after rolls
- To recognise what success looks like in gymnastics movements
Key Outcomes
- Students will perform controlled twists leading into different types of rolls
- Students will demonstrate spinning to change direction after rolling
- Students will identify good gymnastics technique in themselves and others
Equipment & Resources Required
Spread evenly around hall with safe spacing between
Alternative: Crash mats, yoga mats for smaller spaces
Place at equal intervals along side of hall for warm-up
Alternative: Bean bags, hoops as markers
For timing apparatus setup and activities
Alternative: Smartphone timer, wall clock
To film peer assessment dialogue for teacher evaluation
Alternative: Smartphone for recording
Key Vocabulary
A turning movement of the body or body parts around an axis
A movement where the body moves along the ground in a circular motion
The route or direction your body travels through space
A quick turning movement around a central point
A series of movements performed one after another
Keeping muscles tight and controlled during movement
How high or low your body is - high, medium, or low level
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic rolling techniques (forward and backward)
- Understanding of personal space and boundaries
- Simple balancing and body tension
Current Skills
- Twisting movements using different body parts
- Linking twists to rolls with control
- Spinning to change direction and pathway
- Peer assessment and self-evaluation
Next Steps
- More complex gymnastics sequences
- Apparatus work with advanced movements
- Partner and group gymnastics routines
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always demonstrate clear twisting motion before every roll
- Emphasise controlled, safe rolling technique with chin tucked
- Encourage variety in types of rolls and twisting movements
- Focus on spinning to clearly change direction and pathway
- Promote quality peer assessment with specific observation criteria
- Maintain high safety standards during apparatus work
- Connect movements smoothly to create flowing sequences
Common Misconceptions
- Children may think any movement before rolling counts as twisting - ensure clear rotational movement is visible
- Some students may rush through sequences - emphasise control and quality over speed
- Children might think bigger movements are always better - teach that controlled movements show skill
- Students may believe they need complex apparatus skills - focus on adapting simple floor skills to apparatus
- Some may think peer assessment means finding faults - teach positive, constructive feedback approaches
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear physical boundaries marked, regular movement breaks built in, specific roles during peer assessment
dyspraxia
- Larger mats for rolling practice, simplified movement sequences, extra time for skill practice, break down complex movements into smaller steps
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet space available if needed, consistent routines for apparatus setup, predictable peer partner arrangements
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured mats, verbal descriptions of movements, buddy system for apparatus work, tactile guidance for rolling technique
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all movements, written instructions on cards, sign language for key commands, visual signals for group changes
physical disability
- Adapted rolling movements from seated position, modified apparatus heights, focus on upper body twisting movements, wheelchair-accessible activities
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development with gymnastics terms, giving and receiving feedback, describing movements and sequences
Maths
Counting sequences, understanding rotation and angles, timing movements, spatial awareness and directions
Science
Forces and motion in rolling and spinning, gravity effects, body systems during exercise, balance and stability
PSHE
Cooperation and teamwork, giving constructive feedback, self-assessment and reflection, resilience when learning new skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move continuously around class to observe all students, position at apparatus stations during apparatus work
Observation Focus
Rolling technique safety, twisting preparation, controlled spinning, peer assessment quality
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for unsafe rolling, poor apparatus use, or negative peer interactions
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for demonstrations, involve children with good technique to model, break down complex movements into steps
Verbal Cues
- •'Chin to chest for safe rolling!'
- •'Show me that twist before you roll!'
- •'Controlled spinning - stay in balance!'
- •'Strong body tension like a gymnast!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall minimum 15m x 20m with high ceiling for apparatus work
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, clean and dry, checked for obstacles
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •All gymnastics mats checked for tears and adequate thickness
- •Apparatus inspected for stability and secure connections
- •Clear pathways between apparatus stations maintained
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collision during rolling activities
- •Falls from apparatus
- •Inappropriate rolling technique leading to neck/back injury
- •Equipment misuse or improper setup
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for rolling areas
- •Proper rolling technique taught and monitored continuously
- •Apparatus setup and pack away carefully supervised
- •Progressive skill building from floor to apparatus
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all apparatus stations
- •Continuous monitoring of rolling technique
- •Active supervision during apparatus setup and pack away
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required