Overview

This six-lesson series is designed for Year 3 pupils (aged 7-8) following the National Curriculum for England (Physical Education, Key Stage 2). Each 45-minute lesson uses benches and mats to build fundamental gymnastics skills including balancing, rolling, jumping, and coordination. The lessons promote confidence, body control, and safe use of equipment in a creative, fun environment.

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National Curriculum Links

Aims addressed:

• Develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities
• Are physically active for sustained periods
• Engage in competitive sports and activities
• Lead healthy, active lives

Key Stage 2 Programme of Study (Physical Education):
Pupils should continue to apply and develop a broader range of skills, learning how to use them in different ways and linking them to make actions and sequences of movement. They should enjoy communicating, collaborating and competing with each other. They should develop an understanding of how to improve in different physical activities and sports and learn how to evaluate and recognise their own success.

Gymnastics specific skills:

• Perform basic gymnastic actions including travelling, balancing, and climbing
• Use equipment safely and with control
• Develop strength, flexibility, and coordination
• Create, perform and repeat sequences of movements

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Lesson 1: Balancing Foundations

Objectives

• Develop static and dynamic balance using benches and mats.
• Understand safe positioning on equipment.
• Link simple balance movements in a controlled sequence.

Equipment

• Gym mats (for safe landing and rolling)
• Low benches (for practicing balancing skills)

Structure

Warm-Up (10 minutes)

• Animal walk relay on mats (e.g., walking like a flamingo to practice balance, crab walks)
• Star jumps and gentle jogging on spot

Main Activity (25 minutes)

1. Bench Balances:
   • Children walk slowly along benches, focusing on steady foot placement and arms for balance.
   • Encourage “tiptoeing” to develop control.
2. Balance Poses:
   • On mats, practice holding a balance on one leg with arms stretched, progressing to raising the opposite arm and leg.
3. Balance Sequences:
   • Children create a short sequence linking: walk along bench → balance on one leg → squat → jump safely onto mats.

Cool Down (5-7 minutes)

• Gentle stretching focussing on legs and arms (e.g., touching toes, arm circles).
• Deep breathing lying on mats to relax muscles.

Safety Reminder

• Always look forward when walking on the bench.
• Use mats to cushion any dismounts or falls.
• Maintain space between children to avoid collisions.

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Lesson 2: Controlled Jumping

Objectives

• Develop jumping and landing techniques using benches and mats.
• Understand safe take-off and landing posture.
• Build strength and coordination in leg muscles.

Equipment

• Mats and low benches arranged to create jump pathways.

Structure

Warm-Up (10 minutes)

• Jumping jacks and lunges on the spot.
• “Follow the leader” hopping games to encourage varied jumps (e.g., two feet, one foot).

Main Activity (25 minutes)

1. Jump from Bench to Mat:
   • Children stand on benches and jump forward onto mats, focusing on bending knees on landing.
2. Side Jumps Along Mats:
   • Jump side to side over a line or low obstacle on mats.
3. Sequence:
   • Run along a mat runway, jump onto bench, balance for 3 seconds, then jump off with controlled landing on mats.

Cool Down (5-7 minutes)

• Slow walking in a circle, followed by stretches targeting calves and hamstrings.
• Encourage children to reflect on what kept their landings safe.

Safety Reminder

• Check mats fully cover the dismount area.
• Remind children to land softly with bent knees.
• One at a time on benches to avoid overcrowding.

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Lesson 3: Rolling and Coordination

Objectives

• Learn safe forward and backward rolls on mats.
• Develop upper body strength and control during rolls.
• Combine rolling with balance and movement sequences.

Equipment

• Soft gym mats arranged end-to-end.

Structure

Warm-Up (10 minutes)

• Gentle stretching focusing on neck, shoulders, and back.
• “Simon Says” games including crawling and reaching movements.

Main Activity (25 minutes)

1. Forward Rolls:
   • Teaching tuck head position and rolling over mats.
2. Backward Rolls:
   • With assistance and spotters, perform backward rolls safely.
3. Combinations:
   • Add rolling into sequences: balance pose → forward roll → stand and jump on mat.

Cool Down (5-7 minutes)

• Child-led gentle stretches.
• Deep breathing whilst lying flat on mats.

Safety Reminder

• Ensure mats are soft and connected to avoid gaps.
• Teach “tuck chin to chest” to protect neck.
• Spotting support for backward roll beginners.

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Lesson 4: Dynamic Sequences

Objectives

• Combine basic gymnastic skills into a short performance.
• Improve flow between movements and spatial awareness.
• Use equipment creatively to foster confidence.

Equipment

• Mats, benches, cones to mark start/end points.

Structure

Warm-Up (10 minutes)

• Obstacle course involving running, skipping, and balancing.
• Arm swings and leg stretches.

Main Activity (25 minutes)

1. Create a sequence:
   • In small groups, pupils design a 4-move sequence including bench walk, jump, roll, balance on mat.
2. Practice:
   • Rehearse in groups and give peer feedback focusing on smooth transitions.
3. Performances:
   • Each group performs for the class with applause and positive comments.

Cool Down (5-7 minutes)

• Slow walking around hall.
• Stretch arms, legs, and back gently.

Safety Reminder

• Clear space around benches during performances.
• Reinforce safe landings and controlled movements.

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Lesson 5: Strength and Flexibility

Objectives

• Develop core strength and flexibility to improve gymnastics execution.
• Hold static poses that require muscular control.
• Understand how strength supports skill performance.

Equipment

• Mats and benches.

Structure

Warm-Up (10 minutes)

• Animal pose stretches (e.g., cat stretch, butterfly).
• Slow jogging with high knees and heel flicks.

Main Activity (25 minutes)

1. Plank holds on mats:
   • Hold plank for set seconds, encourage progressing times.
2. Bench Push-ups:
   • Modified push-ups with hands on low benches.
3. Flexibility stretches on mats:
   • Seated forward bend, straddle reach, bridge pose supported on benches.

Cool Down (5-7 minutes)

• Slow breathing and gentle side stretches.
• Relax lying flat, focusing on breathing.

Safety Reminder

• Correct technique to avoid strain: neutral spine, no sagging hips.
• Controlled movements, no rushing.

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Lesson 6: Confidence and Creativity

Objectives

• Apply all learned skills to create imaginative gymnastics sequences.
• Boost confidence performing individually and in groups.
• Encourage self-expression through movement.

Equipment

• Full range of mats and benches.

Structure

Warm-Up (10 minutes)

• Dance and stretch to music, encourage personal movement choices.
• Partner mirroring games to build trust.

Main Activity (25 minutes)

1. Individual sequence creation:
   • Each child designs their own 5-move combination using benches and mats (balance, jump, roll, pose).
2. Group sharing:
   • Share sequences with a buddy for feedback.
3. Performance circle:
   • Volunteers perform sequences for encouragement and celebration.

Cool Down (5-7 minutes)

• Group stretch led by a pupil.
• Mindful breathing and reflection on the series.

Safety Reminder

• Encourage listening to bodies, only perform moves they feel comfortable with.
• Keep spacing to avoid collisions during freestyle segments.

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Assessment Tools

• Observation checklist: For balance control, correct rolling technique, safe jumping and landing, flow between movements.
• Peer feedback: Simple “two stars and a wish” praising skills demonstrated and suggestions for improvement.
• Self-assessment: Children rate confidence with each skill on a simple 1-5 smiley scale.

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Final Notes

• Use positive reinforcement to build confidence and enjoyment.
• Incorporate music or thematic stories (e.g., jungle animals, space explorers) to increase engagement.
• Rotate equipment layout slightly each lesson to maintain novelty.
• Adapt teaching points for different physical abilities ensuring all pupils are included and challenged safely.

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This detailed six-lesson series ensures Year 3 pupils meet the expectations of the National Curriculum while having fun developing essential gymnastics skills with benches and mats.