4.1 Gymnastic exercises

Life orientation

Grade 6

Physical development and movement

Module 16

Gymnastic exercises

Activity 1:

To execute a series of gymnastics movements

[lo 4.2]

A series of gymnastics movements creates an excellent opportunity for individual assessment.

Material: Gymnastics mats. Any other gymnastics apparatus to give the learners a wider choice.Learners use the first 15 minutes of the period to work out and practise their series of movements. The teacher should give advice and assistance where necessary. Allow some room for personal creativity.

Each learner must prepare a series of gymnastics movements that cover the following:

1. Start
2. Forward roll
3. Cartwheel
4. ¼ - ½ of 360° turn
5. Own choice of movement or position
6. Closing

Change of form, speed and direction are to be considered within the context of these movements. Attention must also be given to balance.

Aspects to be addressed are:

• Accuracy in executing the movements
• Body posture
• Fluency in executing the series

Assessment criteria (a mark out of 10):

(One mark is deducted for each mistake)

1. Compliance with the instruction
2. Fluency
3. Ability to hold positions for about four counts
4. Timing
5. Accuracy

NB: In executing the forward roll the following aspects are important:

Learners must not clench their fists. Their hands must be open.

The head must be kept well down throughout (chin on chest).

Some learners find it difficult to get up after the roll, and must be helped up.

NB: In executing the cartwheel the following aspects are important :

To ensure the learners’ safety or to help those who feel a bit uncertain, the teacher can stand behind the learner when he is executing the movement.

The teacher places their right hand on the left hip of the learner when the learner is doing the rotation movement.

Nb: if the headspring is done as a 360° movement, the following is important:

It can be executed on the floor, but it is easier to do it on a stand.

The teacher can support the learner by placing one hand under his shoulder closest to the educator, while supporting his lower back with the other hand.

Learners must first practise and master the half-turn balancing position before they attempt to execute the full movement.

Assessment