A five minute group sequence to music was planned to conduct within the class as a teaching experience. Energetic music with a fast tempo was choosen which best suited the activity and propomoted the participants to be lively. Within group sequence activities, children are encouraged to respond to a divergent movement task, where several movement solutions are incorporated. These sequences encompass the aim of challenging each child at their own level of ability therefore they are more likely to experience success. Many benefits derive from these activities in contrast with formal gymnastics. The following are some examples of these benefits.
* Participants gain the opportunity to explore and discover how their body moves.
* Individuals are encouraged to respond in ways that are appropriate for their abilities.
* All participants are capable of solving the challenge.
* All participants have the opportunity to feel successful.
* The focus is on problem solving, allowing development of skills involved to manipulate the body as they solve the movement problems.
* Children will perform what is developmentally appropriate at his or her own stage of development, having been given the opportunity to solve a movement problem.
Eleven Critical Educational Gymnastics Skills:
1). 5 Basic Jumps.
2). Sideways Roll.
3). Hand Balance/Body Curled.
4). Shoulder Balance.
5). Head/Hand Balance.
6). Jump/Land Roll Sequence.
7). Forward Roll/Shoulder Roll.
8). Backward Roll/Shoulder Roll.
9). Hand Balance/Body Extended.
10). Cartwheel.
11).Jump for Height
The five minute gymnastics group sequence went as follows:
Step 1: Jump with two feet for height.
Step 2: Sideways roll to the left.
Step 3: Sideways roll to the right.
Step 4: Forward roll.
Step 5: Low jump, two feet together.
Step 6: Backwards roll.
Step 7: Jump for height, two feet together.
Step 8: Hand balance/body curled.
Step 9: Jump for height on one foot.
Step 10: Cartwheel.
All participants completed the sequence following from step to step simultaneously and the sequence was performed again for the duration of the energetic five minute song.
The moves were demonstrated safely on a landing mat first. Then mats were safely spaced out around the gymnasium and the participants tried the movements for themselves. The children were given meaningful feedback about the efficiency of their movement.
Jump for Height.
It is best to tuck the feet behind the body and land on the foot in the order of toe, ball of foot and then heel to reduce risk of injury.
Sideways Roll.
This involves rotation of the body around the vertical axis. The starting position is on the hands and knees. Following this the body is alligned and the feet pointed to one side with the head on the other side pointing outwards. Teaching Cues – lead shoulder tucks under.
Forward Roll.
Within this move, the lower body moves across the head and shoulders in a forward movement. To begin the participant alligns themselves at one end of the rolling mat and the hands are placed on the mat in front shoulder width apart. Then the feet push of the mat behind and rise into the air. The chin in tucked under close to the chest to protect the neck throughout the move. A gentle rolling and landing action should be encouraged. Preferrably this move can be practiced on a sloping mat to assist with the move and reduce the possibility of injury.
Low Jump.
For this move the body is kept straight witht the feet together. A small amount of force is exerted through the body, down to the feet allowing the body to lift just a small amount from the floor.
Hand Balance/Body Curled.
The starting position for this move involves the body being crouched down close to the mat. The two hands are placed on the mat shoulder weight apart with fingers facing outwards. The legs are opened with the outside of knees pressed against the elbow region for support. Then the body slowly leans forward and the balance is conducted when the feet are raised from the floor and the body weight is supported purely on the hands with the body curled into a set position. It is important to encourage participants to have their forhead facing out rather than their nose, this will reduce the risk of injury.
Jump for height on one foot.
This involves force exerted from the body against the floor allowing the body to rise up. The body crouches down first and then the force is exerted with the body bolting upwards. One foot is kept away from the floor throughout the move with only one leg incorporated. It is advised to land in the order of toes, ball of feet followed by heel to reduce the risk of injury.
An example of these sequences can be seen at the following address online: