Grade 1 Movement Activities Gymnastics – Simple gymnastics Notes
Movement Activities — Gymnastics
Topic: Gymnastics • Subtopic: Simple gymnastics • Age: 6 years (Kenya)
Short note for teachers and parents: simple, safe and fun gymnastics for young children. Use a clean, flat space like a school field, playground or mat area. Supervise closely.
Specific learning outcomes
- Show a safe forward roll with teacher help (🤸♀️).
- Balance on two feet and on one foot for about 5 seconds (🦩).
- Jump forward and land softly with knees bent (🐰).
- Copy a short sequence of 3 simple movements (👣➡️🤸).
- Follow simple safety rules: warm up, use mat, remove shoes/jewellery (🦺).
- Work with a friend: take turns and help each other (🤝).
Materials and place
Soft mat or thick cloth, open flat space (school field or playground), cones or markers, comfortable clothes, water. No sharp objects nearby.
Safety rules (say to children before starting)
- Do not do gymnastics on stones or rough ground.
- Take off shoes on the mat and remove bracelets or necklaces.
- Listen to the teacher and use a helper when needed.
- Stop if you feel pain and tell the teacher.
Warm-up (5–7 minutes)
- March on the spot for 30 seconds (lift knees high) 🚶♂️.
- Reach up to the sky, then touch toes (3 times) 🙆♀️⬇️.
- Arm circles: small then big (10 each) 🔄.
- Gentle jog round the mat or space for 1 minute 🏃.
Main activities (stations and steps)
Activity: Flamingo stand
- Stand tall, hands on hips or arms out like wings (🕊️).
- Lift one foot and try to hold 5 seconds. Count out loud.
- Try with eyes open, then with eyes focused on a point.
- Make it a game: who can hold the longest? (teacher times)
Practice in small groups with one teacher/helper near each child.
- Sit on mat, knees bent, hands by ears. Tuck chin to chest.
- Push with feet, roll over shoulders (not on neck), keep chin tucked.
- Finish by standing up or kneeling. Teacher may guide the back gently.
- Repeat slowly 3–5 times. Use gentle praise and help.
Bunny hops and soft landings
- Stand with knees slightly bent. Jump forward to a marker and land softly.
- Teach knees-bent landing: bend hips and knees, hands forward for balance.
- Play "Bunny hop race" in short lines for fun and repetition.
Teacher shows 3 moves (e.g., march, jump, flamingo). Children copy in order.
- Start simple: 3 moves. Add one more move after success.
- Use music or clap to keep rhythm. Praise correct copying.
Set up cones, a short mat for rolls, and a low rope to crawl under.
- Child runs to cone, does a flamingo balance, comes back and tags friend.
- Keep teams small. Focus on trying, not speed.
Cool down (3–5 minutes)
- Walk slowly and take 3 deep breaths together (inhale–exhale).
- Sit and stretch: reach toes, gentle butterfly sit for 10–15 seconds.
- Praise each child: "Well done!" and give a sticker or clap.
Assessment ideas (simple)
- Use a short checklist: forward roll (yes/no/help), balance 1 foot for 5s (yes/no).
- Observe: follows safety rules, takes turns, copies a sequence of 3 moves.
- Record one note per child (smiley / needs help / watched closely).
Teacher tips (Kenyan schools, age 6)
- Use simple Kiswahili or local language words to explain moves (e.g., "kanyaga" for stomp, "angalia" for look).
- Use songs or clapping to keep attention. Short activities work best for six-year-olds.
- If no mat, use a folded blanket or soft grass area. Clear the ground first.
- Pair children by ability so helpers can support peers.
Warm-up 5 min → Balance & Jump stations 8 min → Forward roll practice 6 min → Cool down 3–4 min.
Simple visual reminder: 🤸♀️ 🦩 🐰 👣 🤝
Prepared for Movement Activities — Gymnastics (age 6). Adapt steps to each child’s needs and keep learning fun and safe.