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Lesson 2 - Arabesque & Roll Skills

Core Strength & Sequences

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Year 4

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Gymnastics

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45 min

Big Question

How can we create smooth, controlled sequences that combine balance and rolling movements safely?

Learning Objectives

To perform and hold an arabesque balance for 3 seconds with control
To execute a roll over the shoulder to knees with proper technique
To link balance and travelling actions into smooth sequences

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate sustained one-footed balances with good body alignment
Students will safely perform shoulder rolls using correct hand placement
Students will create flowing sequences combining balances, travel, and rolls

Equipment & Resources Required

Gymnastics Mats

1 per pair (15 mats)

Mats spread around hall with good spacing between each

Alternative: Thick carpet tiles, yoga mats, or crash mats

Coloured Cones

20-30

Used to mark boundaries for freeze tag warm-up

Alternative: Bean bags, hoops, or spots

Space Images

1 per student

Visible reference poster showing arabesque position

Alternative: Hand-drawn diagram on whiteboard

Key Vocabulary

Arabesque

A balance position standing on one leg with the other leg extended straight behind

Shoulder roll

A rolling movement that goes over one shoulder from back to knees

Sequence

A series of movements linked together in a flowing pattern

Transition

The smooth movement from one action to another

Extension

Stretching or lengthening the body or limbs

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic one-footed standing balances
Simple travelling actions like marching and hopping
Introduction to tucked sitting positions
Basic understanding of personal space and mat work

Current Skills

Arabesque balance with leg positioning variations
Roll over shoulder to knees technique
Linking balances with travelling movements
Creating short gymnastic sequences

Next Steps

Extended sequences with multiple balance types
Forward and backward roll progressions
Partner balancing activities
Apparatus work incorporating learned skills

Milestone Indicators

Consistent 3-second arabesque holds

Confident shoulder roll execution without hesitation

Smooth transitions between different movement types

Ability to repeat sequences with accuracy

Key Teaching Points

Safety first - never roll on neck or head, always use shoulder contact
Build skills progressively from simple balances to complex sequences
Emphasise control and quality over speed and impressive positions
Encourage both sides of body for balanced development
Focus on smooth transitions between skills for flowing sequences
Celebrate effort and improvement rather than perfect performance
Use imagery and analogies to help students understand body positions

Common Misconceptions

Thinking arabesque requires very high leg lift - emphasise control over height
Believing shoulder rolls go straight back - stress diagonal rolling path
Assuming perfect balance is required immediately - normalize wobbles and adjustment
Thinking sequences must be performed quickly - prioritise smoothness and control
Expecting all skills to feel easy immediately - normalize challenge and practice

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break skills into smaller steps, provide frequent movement breaks, use clear boundaries and expectations

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time, use physical guidance for positioning, break complex movements into parts

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, use visual schedules for lesson sequence, offer quiet space if needed

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of positions, allow tactile exploration of equipment, provide close physical guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for timing, written safety rules displayed

physical disability

Adapt balances for seated position, modify rolling to safe alternatives, use adaptive equipment if available

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting 3-second holds, estimating angles in arabesque position, measuring mat spacing distances

Science

Understanding forces in balance, momentum in rolling, body systems working during exercise

Art

Creating flowing movement sequences like dance choreography, appreciating graceful body shapes

PSHE

Building confidence through skill development, resilience when learning challenging movements, supporting peers

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the space to observe all students, position for optimal demonstration visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for balance control, safe rolling technique, smooth sequence transitions

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for unsafe rolling, provide support for struggling students, ensure safety rules followed

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, slow demonstrations with verbal commentary, repeat key safety points, invite student helpers when appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Strong standing leg like a tree trunk!'
•'Chin tucked, hands by ears!'
•'Roll over your shoulder, not your neck!'
•'Smooth and controlled movements!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall minimum 15m x 10m with high ceiling for comfortable movement

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip floor surface free from obstacles and debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Mats checked for tears, proper thickness, and secure positioning
•Cones checked for stable base and no sharp edges
•Clear evacuation routes maintained throughout lesson

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during balance attempts causing bruising or sprains
•Incorrect rolling technique leading to neck or head injury
•Collisions between students during sequence practice
•Overconfidence leading to unsafe skill attempts

Risk Mitigation

•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Continuous emphasis on controlled, safe technique
•Adequate spacing between working students
•Teacher demonstration of all skills before student attempts
•Clear safety rules for shoulder rolling established

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all students during mat work
•Close observation during initial rolling attempts
•Immediate intervention if unsafe technique observed
•Regular safety reminders throughout lesson

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply first aid if qualified, seek medical attention if required, complete accident reporting