Lesson 5 - Stand & Cartwheel Skills
Core Strength & Sequences
•Year 4
•Gymnastics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use our bodies to create controlled balances and dynamic movements that show strength and coordination?
Learning Objectives
- Develop controlled shoulder stands with proper tension and alignment
- Progress cartwheel technique using sequential weight transfer
- Apply balance and coordination skills in combination movements
Key Outcomes
- Students will perform shoulder stands showing control and body tension
- Students will demonstrate improved cartwheel technique with sequential hand placement
- Students will combine movements showing smooth transitions and control
Equipment & Resources Required
Spaced 2 metres apart around hall perimeter and centre
Alternative: Yoga mats or carpet squares
Set up in straight lines for cartwheel practice - spots A, B, C, D, E
Alternative: Laminated paper circles, bean bags
For students who need additional support during shoulder stands
Alternative: Partner support
Key Vocabulary
A balance position where weight is supported on shoulders with legs extended vertically
Muscles working together to create a firm, controlled body position
Placing hands down one after the other in order during cartwheel
Moving body weight smoothly from one body part to another
Body bent at hips with legs straight and together
Rocking movement that flows from lying to shoulder stand and back to standing
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic rocking movements on backs
- Simple balance holds
- Introduction to cartwheel hand placement
- Understanding of body tension
Current Skills
- Controlled shoulder stand technique
- Sequential weight transfer in cartwheels
- Combination movement patterns
- Advanced balance control
Next Steps
- Linking shoulder stands into forward rolls
- Cartwheel variations and combinations
- Handstand progressions
- Complex sequence work
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Weight must always be on shoulders, never on neck during shoulder stands
- Sequential hand placement in cartwheels - one hand then the other, never both together
- Body tension is crucial for all gymnastics skills - tight muscles create control
- Practice makes progress - celebrate improvement over perfection
- Partner cooperation enhances learning for both students
- Controlled movements are always safer and more effective than rushed attempts
- Use momentum wisely in candle rocks - build it gradually through practice
Common Misconceptions
- Students thinking faster movement means better gymnastics - emphasise control over speed
- Belief that taking weight on neck is acceptable - constantly reinforce shoulder placement
- Assumption that cartwheel hands go down together - teach sequential placement clearly
- Idea that gymnastics is only for naturally flexible students - show it's about practice and technique
- Misconception that partner work slows learning - demonstrate how cooperation accelerates progress
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break skills into very small steps, provide frequent positive feedback, allow movement breaks between intense focus periods
dyspraxia
- Extra practice time for coordination skills, simplified movement patterns initially, consistent verbal cues and demonstrations
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedule of lesson activities, offer quiet space if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use tactile markers for cartwheel spots, provide detailed verbal descriptions of body positions, pair with sighted buddy for demonstrations
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for coaching cues
physical disability
- Adapt shoulder stands to supported positions against wall, modify cartwheel to stepping pattern, focus on achievable progressions
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Angles in body positions (90-degree shoulder stand), counting sequences in cartwheel progressions, measuring distances for spot placement
Science
Forces and motion in rocking movements, momentum and energy transfer in candle rocks, body systems working together for balance
Geography
Spatial awareness and direction in cartwheel lines, understanding of rotation and linear movement patterns
PSHE
Resilience when learning challenging skills, cooperation and communication with partners, celebrating effort over outcome
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move actively between pairs, positioning to see all shoulder stand attempts from side view to check shoulder/neck placement
Observation Focus
Watch for: weight distribution in shoulder stands, sequential hand placement in cartwheels, partner cooperation and safety
Intervention Points
Step in immediately if: weight goes onto neck in shoulder stands, cartwheel hand placement is unsafe, students attempt skills beyond their ability
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate skills slowly first, then at full speed. Use side-on position for shoulder stands to show proper shoulder/hip alignment clearly
Verbal Cues
- •'Shoulders strong, neck safe!'
- •'Hand, hand, foot, foot - in order!'
- •'Control and flow, never rush!'
- •'Help your partner succeed!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall minimum 15m x 20m with height clearance of 3m+ for overhead movements
Surface Check
Non-slip, even surface free from obstacles. Mats should lie flat without wrinkles
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check mats are in good condition with no tears
- •Ensure spot markers are flat and won't cause trips
- •Verify adequate wall clearance for rocking movements
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Neck injury from incorrect shoulder stand technique
- •Wrist injury from poor cartwheel hand placement
- •Collision during partner work
- •Falls from uncontrolled movements
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise weight on shoulders never neck in shoulder stands
- •Teach progressive cartwheel build-up with secure hand placement
- •Ensure adequate spacing between practice areas
- •Stress controlled movements throughout lesson
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all shoulder stand attempts for neck safety
- •Monitor cartwheel areas for proper hand placement
- •Check partner work remains cooperative and safe
- •Watch for fatigue affecting movement control
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately for any neck/head concerns. Have students sit down for any injury assessment. Ensure clear path to first aid if needed