Balance and Coordination

Curriculum Area

National Curriculum for Physical Education (PE) – Key Stage 2 (Year 5)

• Programme of Study: Perform dances using a range of movement patterns; develop flexibility, strength, technique, control and balance.
• Focus: Gymnastics – Balancing techniques and coordination

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Lesson Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

• Develop static and dynamic balance skills.
• Safely perform controlled movement on a balance beam (bench).
• Execute at least two balance poses using mats and benches.
• Work in pairs to assess and refine technique.

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Resources & Equipment

• Gym mats (1 per pair)
• Gym benches functioning as balance beams (4-5 total)
• Cones (to mark activity areas)
• Whistle/stopwatch

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Lesson Structure (45 Minutes)

1. Warm-Up (10 Minutes) – "Animal Balances"

Objective: Prepare muscles, improve body awareness and balance.

Activity:

• Students spread out in the gym and respond to the teacher’s instructions:
  • "Flamingo": Stand on one leg, arms stretched wide.
  • "Crouching Tiger": Balance in a low squat, extending arms forward.
  • "Crab Walk": Move sideways on hands and feet without touching the floor.
• Increase challenge: Hold each position for 5-10 seconds, switch legs for "Flamingo".

🏆 Differentiation:

• Challenge: Can you close your eyes while balancing?
• Support: Hold a partner’s hand for extra stability.

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2. Main Activity (30 Minutes) – Static & Dynamic Balancing

A) Static Balances on Mats (10 Minutes)

Students work in pairs to practise controlled balance poses on gym mats.

Instructions:

1. Teacher demonstrates 3 balance poses:
   • The Archer: One leg extended behind, arms out for balance.
   • Star Jump Balance: Stand on one foot, other leg and arms extended.
   • Seated Pike Hold: Sit with legs straight, lift both feet off the ground.
2. Pairs take turns holding each pose for 5-7 seconds, providing feedback.

🤝 Teamwork Extension: Turn balancing into a mirrored routine (one student copies the other).

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B) Dynamic Balancing on Benches (15 Minutes)

Using benches as balance beams, students practise movement-based balance.

Instructions:

1. Walk across at normal pace, arms out for control.
2. Increase difficulty:
   • Walk heel-to-toe slowly.
   • Perform a 90-degree turn halfway.
   • Stop in the middle and attempt a one-leg pose for 3 seconds.
3. Peers observe and give constructive feedback.

🔄 Progression:

• Beginner: Walk across without stopping.
• Advanced: Close eyes for short sections or add small jumps at the end.

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3. Cool Down & Reflection (5 Minutes) – Balance Challenge

• Slow stretches focused on legs and core.
• Plank Hold Challenge: Who can hold the best plank position for 10 seconds?
• Class Discussion:
  • “What was the hardest balance and why?”
  • “How did you adjust to stay balanced?”

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Assessment & Reflection

• Informal teacher observation during activities.
• Student self-assessment: Thumbs up/middle/down for confidence in each activity.
• Peer feedback during balance challenges.

🌟 Next Lesson: Linking balance into sequences and routines.

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Teacher Tips for Engagement

• Incorporate music for rhythm during dynamic balancing.
• Use a storytelling element (e.g., navigating a 'tightrope’ in the jungle).
• Allow student demos to build confidence.

📍 Adapt activities for SEND learners - provide handrails or allow bench walking with assistance where needed.

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This high-energy, structured gymnastics lesson will build year 5 students' confidence in balance, preparing them for more complex routines in later lessons! 🎭