Stretching Foundations Fun

Overview

This 30-minute lesson is the fourth in a seven-part unit, Gymnastics Fun Foundations, designed for Reception-aged children (4–5 years old). The session focuses on developing foundational flexibility and stretching skills through engaging, movement-based activities. It adheres closely to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, particularly Physical Development (Moving and Handling), and supports the development of gross motor skills alongside body awareness and coordination.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will:

• Understand why stretching helps their body and makes movement easier and safer.
• Perform simple stretching exercises safely and with increasing control.
• Recognise how flexibility supports different gymnastic movements like bending, stretching, and balancing.
• Demonstrate improved confidence and enjoyment in moving their bodies creatively.

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Curriculum Links

• EYFS Physical Development (Early Learning Goal - Moving and Handling): Children show good control and coordination in large and small movements. They move confidently in a range of ways and safely negotiate space.
• PE Programme of Study (Primary National Curriculum): Develop fundamental movement skills (running, jumping, throwing, catching, balance, agility, coordination) and use them in a range of activities.
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development (EYFS): Encouraging confidence and positive attitudes to physical activity.

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Resources Needed

• Soft gym mats (1 per 4-5 children)
• Colourful stretch bands or scarves (optional for tactile engagement)
• Music player with lively but calm music (e.g., gentle instrumental or nature sounds)
• Visual cue cards showing different stretches with simple illustrations
• Cones or markers to create a ‘Stretch Circuit’ in the hall/gym space

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Lesson Structure (30 minutes)

1. Welcome and Warm-up (5 minutes)

• Gather and Talk: Sit in a circle and chat briefly about stretching: “Why do you think it’s good to stretch before we move lots?”
• Animal Movements Warm-up: Children spread out safely and mimic animal stretches – e.g., cat stretches (arching back), dog stretches (hands and feet on floor, stretching legs), and butterfly stretch sitting down.
• Encourage silly sounds and big movements to engage imaginations and warm muscles.

2. Guided Stretching Routine (10 minutes)

• Use visual cue cards to introduce 4-5 simple stretches focusing on different body parts:
  • Toe touches (hamstrings)
  • Star stretch (making a big star with arms and legs)
  • Reach for the sky (elongating the spine)
  • Side stretches (reaching one arm over the head)
  • Butterfly stretch (soles of the feet together, knees out)
• Children try each stretch with teacher support and modelling.
• Use descriptive language: “Feel your body get longer,” “Imagine you are growing tall like a tree.”
• Encourage deep breathing to help calm and focus.

3. Stretch Circuit Game (10 minutes)

• Set up 4 stations around the hall:
  1. Toe touch station: How far can you reach?
  2. Long star stretch: Make a star shape on the floor.
  3. Reach for the sky: Who can stretch highest with control?
  4. Butterfly stretch: How wide can you open your knees?
• Children spend 2 minutes at each station, practising the stretch with a peer coach or adult helper.
• Use a gentle bell or clapping rhythm to signal station switches.
• Reinforce positive encouragement: “Look how flexible you are!” and “Great stretching!”

4. Cool-Down Circle and Reflection (5 minutes)

• All children sit in a circle on mats.
• Lead a calming breath-and-stretch activity: arms reaching high on an in-breath, hands to toes on out-breath.
• Ask simple reflective questions:
  • “How did stretching help your body today?”
  • “What’s your favourite stretch and why?”
• End with a fun group cheer to celebrate their efforts: “We’re stretchy, bendy, ready to move!”

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Differentiation

• Support: Provide one-to-one help for children needing assistance with balance or coordination.
• Extension: Challenge more able children to hold stretches longer or link stretches smoothly.
• Use scarves or stretch bands for tactile learners to feel the resistance during stretches.

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Assessment and Observation

• Observe children’s ability to follow instructions and imitate basic stretches.
• Note children’s confidence and enjoyment in trying new movements.
• Use simple checklists or anecdotal notes linked to EYFS goals on physical development and personal confidence.

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Safety Considerations

• Ensure mats are evenly spaced to avoid collisions.
• Children must listen carefully to teacher cues and move gently.
• Reinforce “no pushing” or rushing during transitions.
• Monitor for signs of discomfort and encourage children to listen to their bodies.

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Teacher’s Tips to Impress

• Use creative storytelling to link stretches to animals or nature, enhancing engagement and embodiment.
• Incorporate peer coaching to develop social skills and leadership.
• Play gentle music to create a calm yet motivating environment.
• Use positive praise focused on effort to build a growth mindset around physical challenges.

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This lesson encourages children to bond with their physical selves in a fun and imaginative way, laying a vital foundation for safe, flexible gymnastic movement in future lessons within the unit.