Lesson 1 - Bunny Hop Sequences
Core Strength & Sequences
•Year 4
•Gymnastics
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How can we use our body weight to create graceful, controlled movements that flow from balance to travel?
Learning Objectives
- Link balance and travel actions with given movements to perform a weighted bunny hop showing control and balance
- Introduce and master the weighted bunny hop technique with proper form and safety
- Show control and tension when combining travelling steps with balance positions
Key Outcomes
- Students will perform a weighted bunny hop with hips lifting over shoulders
- Students will create sequences linking three different travels with three different balances
- Students will demonstrate smooth transitions between movements with changes of speed
Equipment & Resources Required
Spread evenly around activity area with safe spacing
Alternative: Carpet tiles or soft surface markers
Initially placed randomly around space for warm-up activity
Alternative: Spot markers, cones, or rope circles
Set up around perimeter for extension activities
Alternative: Benches, low boxes, or balance beams
Key Vocabulary
A gymnastic movement where you take your full body weight on your hands while jumping feet off the floor, aiming to lift hips over shoulders
A series of connected movements performed one after another with smooth transitions
Holding your body steady and controlled in a specific position
Keeping your muscles tight and body controlled during movements
Lifting your hips higher than your shoulders during the weighted bunny hop
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic bunny hop movements from previous lessons
- Simple balance positions (2-point, 3-point, 4-point)
- Basic travelling actions (rolling, sliding, stepping)
Current Skills
- Weighted bunny hop with hip elevation
- Linking travelling and balancing actions
- Sequence creation with speed variation
Next Steps
- Advanced weight transfer movements
- Partner sequences and mirroring
- Apparatus-based gymnastic sequences
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Hand placement is crucial - shoulder-width apart, fingers spread, never move hands during bunny hop
- Weighted bunny hop requires hips to lift higher than shoulders for correct technique
- Sequences should flow smoothly with clear transitions between movements
- Safety comes first - proper progression through skill development stages
- Positive peer feedback focuses on specific technique points and encouragement
- Practice and repetition lead to improvement - celebrate progress over perfection
- Core strength and control are developed through proper technique practice
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking the bunny hop is just about jumping - it's about controlled weight transfer
- Believing you must achieve perfect technique immediately - skill development takes time
- Assuming all students will achieve the same level - differentiation allows for individual progress
- Focusing only on height in bunny hop - control and technique are more important
- Rushing through sequences - quality and smooth transitions matter more than speed
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, offer fidget tools during reflection time
dyspraxia
- Use step-by-step visual guides, allow extra practice time, provide physical support for complex movements
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedules, allow practice time before performances, offer quiet spaces if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use verbal descriptions of movements, tactile guidance for hand placement, buddy system for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure clear sight lines
physical disability
- Adapt to seated or supported positions, use alternative equipment, modify sequence requirements as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting sequences of movements, measuring duration of balance holds, angles of body positions in gymnastics
Science
Forces and motion in weight transfer, muscle tension and relaxation, balance and centre of gravity
Geography
Spatial awareness and direction, mapping movement pathways around space
PSHE
Building confidence through achievement, supporting others' learning, perseverance when facing challenges
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the space to observe all students, position near mats during skill practice for safety
Observation Focus
Watch for correct hand placement, hip elevation in weighted bunny hop, smooth sequence transitions
Intervention Points
Step in if students attempt skills beyond ability, if hand placement is incorrect, or if peer feedback becomes unhelpful
Demonstration Notes
Use slow-motion demonstrations for weighted bunny hop, show from multiple angles, emphasise key body positions
Verbal Cues
- •'Strong hands, tucked legs!'
- •'Hips up high!'
- •'Smooth transitions between movements!'
- •'Control the landing!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor space minimum 15m x 12m with clear ceiling height of 3m, suitable for gymnastic mats
Surface Check
Clean, dry, non-slip floor surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check gymnastic mats are flat and properly positioned
- •Ensure hoops have no cracks or sharp edges
- •Verify adequate spacing between all equipment
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls during weighted bunny hop attempts
- •Wrist strain from poor hand placement
- •Collisions during warm-up activities
- •Overexertion during skill practice
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise never moving hands during bunny hop
- •Teach proper progressions before weighted attempts
- •Ensure adequate rest between attempts
- •Maintain clear sight lines and spacing
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe bunny hop hand placement
- •Monitor fatigue levels during practice
- •Watch for unsafe sequence elements
- •Ensure positive peer interactions
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury suspected, apply appropriate first aid, have alternative activities ready for those unable to participate