Transition between wide, narrow and curled movements

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can transition between wide, narrow and curled movements on a variety of apparatus.

Key learning points

  1. Move: quality transitions between wide, narrow and curled movements and balances require control.
  2. Think: showing imagination using a range of apparatus creates successful transitions between movements and balances.
  3. Connect: sharing the apparatus and giving others time and space to develop their ideas shows empathy.
  4. Feel: striving to improve skills by practicing several times develops confidence.

Keywords

  • Quality - the good parts of the performance that suggest the movements and balances are performed correctly

  • Action - a movement, balance or jump that is practiced in gymnastics

  • Transition - the movement into and out of one gymnastics skill to another

Common misconception

Transitions mean adding a travelling option as you move from one skill to another. Gymnastics lessons always need lots of apparatus and take too long to set up.

Reinforce the concept of transitions as the smooth transfer of one skill moving straight into another one. Gymnastics lessons can be taught using just mats and benches, that do not take long to set up.

Teacher tip

When talking to pupils, tell them to 'Stand like a gymnast' so they learn to control their bodies. They stand in an upright position, holding their muscles tight, with feet together and arms by their sides. Apparatus does not have to be in zones, it can be set up as free choice for everyone.

Equipment

mats, benches, gymnastic tables, climbing frames/wall bars

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.
What shapes can we make with our bodies?

over and under
jumps and balances
Correct answer: wide, narrow, curled

Q2.
What are wide, narrow and curled actions?

dances we perform
sounds we perform
Correct answer: shapes we perform

Q3.
Why do we move silently in gymnastics?

Correct answer: to show control
to show confidence
to show creativity

Q4.
What does working safely around each other on the apparatus show?

Correct answer: empathy
self-belief
honesty

4 Questions

Q1.
What do we call gymnastic actions?

Correct Answer: skills

Q2.
How do we describe the correct skills we perform?

smooth
Correct answer: quality
ideas

Q3.
What is it called when we move smoothly from one skill to another?

exploring
difference
Correct answer: transition

Q4.
How can we improve our skills and confidence?

Correct answer: practice
playing
planning

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