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Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can move and balance in a variety of ways that are high.

Key learning points

  1. Move: moving high requires us to move silently with control, ensuring we remain high in relation to the surface.
  2. Move: high balances require our body to be still and high in relation to the surface
  3. Think: movements and balances require silence, pointing the fingers and toes and balances should be held still.
  4. Feel: trying lots of different high ways of moving and balancing shows self belief.
  5. Connect: empathy enables us to listen to others' ideas, and to ensure all pupils are included.

Keywords

  • Movement - the process of moving from one place to another

  • Balance - maintaining a desired shape in a stationary position

  • High - to move while reaching upwards vertically from the ground or surface

Common misconception

Pupils think that moving high only means traveling on tiptoes. Pupils focus on the task rather than good movements. Pupils do not hold their balances for long enough.

Celebrate the different ways pupils move high. Remind pupils to move silently with control, pointing fingers and toes. Encourage pupils to hold balances for at least 3 seconds.

Teacher tip

When sharing teaching points tell pupils to 'Stand like a gymnast' so they learn to control their bodies. Pupils stand still in an upright position, holding their muscles tight, with feet together and arms by their sides. To ensure pupils hold still in a balance tell them to focus on a fixed spot.

Equipment

30+ floor markers

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

4 Questions

Q1.
Which of these is a movement?

standing
Correct answer: skipping
sitting

Q2.
What can we do to make sure our movements are the best they can be?

Correct answer: try hard
give up
get upset

Q3.
What should we do to make sure we don't bump into each other when we are moving around?

look at the floor
Correct answer: look around
look at the ceiling

Q4.
What direction do we move to reach high?

down
Correct answer: up
forward

4 Questions

Q1.
What should we do with our fingers and toes when moving or balancing in gymnastics?

Correct Answer: point them, extend them

Q2.
What do you show when you are challenging yourself?

Correct answer: self-belief
empathy
teamwork

Q3.
In a balance, do we move or keep still?

Correct Answer: keep still, no moving

Q4.
Why do we move and balance silently in gymnastics?

Correct answer: to show control
to show happiness
to communicate well

To help you plan your 1 physical education lesson on: High movements, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...