Gymnastics Sequences

Lesson Overview

Subject: Physical Education
Year Group: Year 5
Lesson Number: 5 of 6 in the "Gymnastics Skills Showcase" Unit
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes
Class Size: 25 students
Lesson Focus: Combining gymnastics skills into a short, flowing routine with a partner

National Curriculum Links

This lesson aligns with the UK Key Stage 2 Physical Education curriculum:

• Developing flexibility, strength, technique, control, and balance (e.g., through gymnastics)
• Performing dances using a range of movement patterns
• Comparing performances and demonstrating improvement to achieve personal bests
• Working collaboratively to plan and refine movements

Lesson Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

1. Combine previously learned gymnastics elements (balance, tumbling, and jumping) into a short sequence.
2. Demonstrate smooth transitions between moves to create a seamless routine.
3. Work collaboratively with a partner to refine performance.
4. Self-assess and peer-assess routines using a given success criteria.

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Equipment

• Gym mats (enough for pairs)
• Cones to mark performance spaces
• Task cards (with movement ideas)
• Whistle

Lesson Structure

1. Warm-Up (10 minutes)

Objective: Prepare muscles and joints, reinforce movement control.

1. Animal Gymnastics Circuits:
   • Frog Jumps (for explosive power)
   • Bear Walks (for control)
   • Flamingo Balances (for static balance)
   • Crab Walks (for core strength)
2. Group Stretching Sequence:
   • Shoulder rolls, hip circles, hamstring stretches
   • Partner-assisted balance challenge (e.g., supporting each other in an arabesque position)

2. Recap of Key Skills (5 minutes)

Objective: Reinforce fundamental movements for the routine.

• Balance: Holding a static position for 5 seconds
• Tumbling: Forward and backward rolls, cartwheels
• Jumping: Half-turn and full-turn jumps with controlled landings

Encourage students to demonstrate strong posture, control, and fluidity.

3. Main Activity: Pair Routine Creation (20 minutes)

Objective: Develop and refine a creative gymnastics sequence.

Step 1: Pair Work (10 minutes, Guided Exploration)

• Each pair must create a 30-second routine that includes:
  1. One balance (e.g., arabesque, shoulder stand)
  2. One tumbling movement (e.g., roll, cartwheel)
  3. One jump (e.g., tuck jump, leap)
  4. At least two different transitions between moves (smooth linking movements)

Teacher circulates, giving feedback on control, creativity, and communication between partners.

Step 2: Performance and Feedback (10 minutes, Peer Assessment)

• Pairs perform their sequences in small groups.
• Peer Feedback: After each performance, students give one "What Went Well" (WWW) and one "Even Better If" (EBI) focusing on control, flow, and creativity.
• Teacher prompts include:
  • "Did they maintain body tension throughout?"
  • "Were the movements linked smoothly?"
  • "Did they use the space effectively?"

4. Cool-Down & Reflection (10 minutes)

Cooldown (5 minutes)

• Gentle stretching with deep breathing
• Partner-led relaxation pose (e.g., child’s pose with deep breaths)

Student Reflection (5 minutes)

• Think-Pair-Share:
  • "Which part of your routine worked well?"
  • "What was challenging about linking movements?"
  • "How would you refine your routine next time?"
• Exit Question: "If you could add one new skill to your routine, what would it be?"

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Differentiation

For Support:

• Provide task cards with simple sequence suggestions.
• Encourage use of smaller, controlled movements rather than large jumps.
• Pair with confident peers for supportive collaboration.

For Challenge:

• Add an additional movement element (e.g., mirror sequences).
• Encourage use of different levels and directions in their routine.
• Introduce counterbalances or partner-assisted movements.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Observation of body control and technique during warm-up.
• Partner feedback sessions focusing on flow and creativity.
• Teacher questioning to gauge understanding of sequencing and technique.

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Teacher Reflection Notes

• Were students able to confidently link movements?
• Did they work effectively in partners?
• What feedback did students give in peer assessment?
• Adjust for the next lesson: Do students need more focus on control, creativity, or sequencing?

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This highly engaging, structured, and creative gymnastics lesson ensures Year 5 pupils actively develop their movement skills while fostering collaboration, creativity, and performance confidence! 🎉