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How to Teach Gymnastics Skills in PE
So you’re getting ready for your Gymnastics Unit and looking for some ideas?
You’re wondering how to get the boys that are “too cool” to buy in to your unit?
You’re wondering about safety and anxious that kids might get hurt while trying different movements?
ME TOO!
That’s exactly how I felt when I was planning my first gymnastics unit.
I thought I would share how I teach gymnastics at my school to give you a few ideas as you plan your next unit.
First off – I think it’s really important to sell your kids on the importance of learning gymnastics, which is basically just body management. Throughout the unit your students will learn to control their bodies while moving in a ton of different ways. You can also throw in things like Parkour – which is form of body management that kids (especially boys) will resonate with.
I always talk to my kids about the fact that the strength, flexibility and balance that you will gain from working on gymnastics skills will transfer easily to every other sport that you might want to pursue.
So even if you’re kids never take a gymnastics class, the skills will help them achieve success in other areas. It’s really important to discuss this with your students so they will understand the “WHY” behind the instruction and realize that if they put in the effort, they will reap the benefits even if they never pursue gymnastics outside of school.
Always Know the Why 👊🏻
So once you’re confident that you can explain to your students WHY you are teaching a Gymnastics Unit and how it will benefit them and help them become a better version of themselves, it’s time to give them a hook to spark their interest.
I usually begin with an overview of the unit, some rules via a Prezi and a quick gymnastics highlight video, you can see an example of a few excerpts from my unit intro below.
If you have a screen or projector and would like to use my Prezi for your Gymnastics unit, feel free to check it out HERE. Just create an account and copy it to your own account and you should be able to make changes as you want to fit your unit.
Sidenote: If you have a setup similar to mine with a screen/projector a good alternative if you don’t have the ability to do an iPad mirror is using a laptop with a bluetooth keyboard if you want mouse capabilities (like the one I’m using above) or a Presenter/Clicker if you’re just doing slides.
If you want to show a gymnastics video – the one below is one I was showing in my Unit Intro video above, it’s a great example of both talented guys and girls and also has a nice teamwork and sportsmanship component to it.
I usually do a 3-4 week unit and focus on a couple of skill components during each lesson plan, modifying the content and difficulty for each grade level to keep it age appropriate and build on prior knowledge. FYI – I see my kids once a week for 50 minutes, so it’s usually 3-4 total lessons.
See an example of what the breakdown would look like below:
Have students come up with a Sequence or Routine combining all the elements they have learned
Perform the Sequence after giving students time to practice
During this week I have my older students write their routine down to help them think through it and also just to have a piece of evidence to show learning. You can see an example of the worksheet I use below – It’s available in my Gymnastics Resource Pack.
If you see your students more than once a week and have more time to devote to the unit, this is a great time to integrate some technology and video your students routines and then watch them all as a class via a projector or TV. I wish I had enough time to do this because I think it would be an awesome learning experience to talk through the different routines as a class.
Week 4 – Gymnastics Stations
Allow students to practice all the skills they’ve learned throughout the unit at different activity stations. All the below station signs are available in my Gymnastics Resource Pack.
You can see the station sign holders that I used in the video below, if you want to check them out you can find them by clicking here.
Note: The slips have vertical and horizontal orientations, so make sure to select the one you want… or get both if you need both orientations.
The Culminating Experience ( Gymnastics Activity Skill Stations )
Taking a note from the Sport Education Model, I try to end each unit of instruction that I teach with a culminating experience for my students. I want them to look forward to it and remember it from year to year. Usually it’s a super fun game, some type of tournament or a bunch of exciting activity stations.
The students get pretty pumped about the last week of our gymnastics unit when we do the activity stations because we have a small trampoline that they get to vault over equipment (See below for an example of my Kindy Students)
Students also get to practice jumping off equipment, practicing skills on the balance beams, doing the rope swing and watch themselves perform different travels on the TV with an app called BAM video delay.
Kids are just like adults in that they really enjoy autonomy and working towards mastery (sidenote: if you want to learn more about what motivates us as humans check out the book Drive: by Dan Pink, it gave me some great perspective for teaching) Anyway – stations is a great way to give students that independent practice that they desire and need in order to work towards mastering a skill. Also, they are a great tool for teachers to use to free themselves up to give one-on-one feedback, and assess student skill and behavior either formally or informally. (here’s a few examples of our stations in action)
You can see an example of the way I have my Gymnastics stations setup below:
Also, here’s a more detailed breakdown of the Rope Swing Station Levels:
You can see a highlight video of our gymnastics stations that I created with iMovie below.
I create these videos periodically to share with our teachers, admin and parents so they know what we’re doing in PE class. If you want to learn how to create something similar – check out my iMovie Tutorial Here.
The Balance Board Station
Since filming the videos above I’ve gotten a few balance boards since it was something I always found really fun and challenging, you can check out the ones I have below and the progressions I use for introducing them to students.
Don’t have much equipment?
I realize that I have a lot of equipment, we are super blessed at my school and I have built on the program each year. If you don’t have much equipment, don’t sweat it, it takes time to build up a well stocked equipment closet, but you can always figure out ways to make it work, here’s a few ideas.
Approach your district about buying some equipment that can be shared and travel around to all the schools during each schools gymnastics unit
If you just scored a big grant, found a sponsor, got funding approved by your admin or got some money from a fundraiser and are looking to build up some gymnastics equipment you can check out the links below for some ideas:
The specific mats I have were at my school when I got there, but they’re the same size as the ones linked above – my kids love vaulting over them and using them as jump boxes or swinging between them on the rope swing. Super pricey though.
My school already had jump boxes when I got there, but the ones I have are very similar to the ones linked above – multiple heights for various age and skill levels and easily stackable for storage.
NOTE: I don’t have this mat – but man check out these reviews! I paid twice this price for my mats – next time I need some mats, these are the ones I’m ordering.
I have the 60″ x 15″, but I’d recommend getting as big of a size as you can afford, I wish mine was bigger. Forward and backward rolls it’s pretty good, but for log/pencil rolls the kids feet and hands hang off the edge.
Using a trampoline for your gymnastics or jump rope unit will get your kids pumped up, they love it. I set mine up as a station in front of trapezoid mats and my kids love vaulting over them.
I have a few sets of these that I hang from the basketball goals or monkey bars in my gym. A cheap and portable way for kids to work on modified pull-ups or flex arm hang.
I liked this more than the PVC carts I’ve seen around – it’s way more heavy duty and takes up less space than the other PVC carts (and it’s cheaper). I recently upgraded from using Old scooters to this cart and am really happy with it.
Balance Benches from Laurentian
These were a huge score that were already at my school when I got here. They offer flexible seating, fun balancing activities and can be flipped upside down to make a more narrow balance beam as well. They are super pricey, but they’ll last forever. Here’s a link to the ones I have.
Thanks for checking out the blog, I hope it was helpful. If you have some ideas for upgrading a gymnastics unit or have any questions – leave a comment in the comment section.
If you’re looking for some resources to take your upgrade your next Gymnastics unit, consider purchasing my Gymnastics Resource Pack – I’ve put ALOT of hard work into it, and I think it would be a super valuable resource for your program. You can see the details below.
4 Week Unit of Instruction
This 22 page document is straight from my clipboard to yours. My refined, tried and tested lessons aligned to SHAPE America’s Grade Level Outcomes and the National PE Standards. It’s detailed and packed with ideas and value to help you plan your next unit.
Based on once a week PE, but can easily be modified to fit your specific situation
25 Awesome Balance Challenges E-Book
My first E-book, inspired by the PE Geeks Partner Balancing Series.
25 Single Balance Task Cards that can be printed or projected on a screen to give your students a visual to try and replicate when working on balancing.
All task cards are color coded into 3 different difficulty levels for easy sorting and teaching with differentiation to all skill levels.
25 Awesome Balancing Challenges Poster
Digital copy of all 25 balances on one page to be printed poster size for your gym wall
21 Gymnastics Travelling Challenges
21 printable gymnastics task card challenges that go along with the different travels we recommend teaching in the Unit Plan
Tricks Checklist to use for a self assessment or partner assessment
24 Jumping Trick Challenges
24 Jumping Trick task card challenges that go along with the different jumps we recommend teaching in the Unit Plan
Tricks Checklist to use for a self assessment or partner assessment
Create Your Own Routine Student Worksheet
A printable worksheet that guides your students in creating their own routine.
It’s a great student portfolio piece and also comes with rubric if you want to use it as an assessment
Gymnastics Station Signs
14 printable station signs to allow your students the freedom to work on their gymnastics skills independently while you give feedback and assess student skills.
*NOTE: The entire Gymnastics Resource Pack and tons of other resources are available for free download within the membership section. (Show Me How to Become a Member)
Want a freebie? You can download my 25 single balances poster below for free below.
The Follow the Leader Gymnastics Pack
If you have a screen in your teaching space you also might be interested in the Follow the Leader Gymnastics Pack!
I created the follow the leader pack for my gymnastics unit to help provide visuals of the different tricks, travels and movements to my students throughout our unit (it’s a similar idea to the jump rope follow the leader pack).
This is an AWESOME resource for any teacher that has a screen in their teaching space. The Follow the Leader pack includes Animated GIFS and remade powerpoint slideshows for each week of the unit. It also includes some awesome follow the leader balancing challenges and some bonus printable as well.
You can check out a few examples of how I use it below.
This or That
This or that is a fun activity I do with my students during Week 2 when we are going over Balancing and Jumping and Landing. It’s a way to compare and contrast different balances and discuss what makes different balances harder or easier.
Check out the video below for an example of the activity
Animated GIFs For Station Activities
I also used the animated GIF Summary slides to place at the different stations around the room during our station activities week.
You could use iPads or Chromebooks if they’re available to provide a looping example of what to do at each station.
I really found this helped students understand what to do and made expectations and instructions much more clear at each station.
Check out a walkthrough of the stations and animated GIFS below:
Walkthrough of the Gymnastics Follow the Leader Pack
You can check out the video below for a walkthrough of the whole resource
If you’d like to purchase the Follow the Leader Pack you can click the link below to head over to our Teachers Pay Teachers Page to purchase it (or if you’re a member you can login and download it in the Membership Area).
I’m so appreciative that you mentioned that students get to practice jumping off of equipment, honing their balance on the balance beams, swinging from a rope, and watching themselves perform various movements. My niece has always wanted to try gymnastics so this just convinced me to get her into one. I also feel like gymnastics will allow her to harness her talent and potential so thanks for this.
I am a wrestling coach at an intermediate school (grades 5-6) and am wanting to use my mats/wrestling room to develop a tumbling/gymnastics unit. I am in Texas and need to make sure I am within our TEKS. Looking for some help in developing a 2-day per week unit that might last 7-8 weeks. Anything I can beg/borrow/steal in a PDF format etc. so I can write this curriculum and share with my fellow PE teachers would be much appreciated!
Fabulous resource, definitely feeling braver when it comes to teaching the children to jump off of equipment – I may have been putting it off! Thank you for all of the ideas.
Once they have mastered balancing, rolling, and tumbling, they can build their endurance by practicing them all in a continuous sequence. Creating sequences offers students the chance to be creative, have fun, and build confidence in their gymnastic skills.
Hey Michelle, you can purchase the stations (it’s a PDF) along with the unit in the gymnastics resource pack which is linked at the bottom of the post. If you just want the stand alone stations – check out our Station Teaching Tips Blog Post Here
That is an amazing content! I am glad that I found your blog to inspire me and help me to feel confident to teach gymnastics to my students! Thank you very much! Regards from Brazil.
Usually, this issue is related to a school filter, pop-up blocker, or browser issue – so we’d recommend trying from another computer, switching browsers and making sure all pop up blockers have been turned off.
This is my first year teaching P.E. to Kindergartners, and this was very helpful. It’s was nice to see it laid out in an organized independent structure. Thank you for putting this all together- videos and all.
Hey!!! I really need some help
I’m from Bolivia, and I just start working as a P.E. teacher in an international school. That means that all the teaching is like in US.
I really need help for planning my units and I’m having trouble about how mny units should I have for the entire year, the lenght, and the formative and summative assessment.
Thanks
I am training to become a primary teacher and gymnastics is a strand that is part of the P.E. curriculum.
I am wondering if you sell DVDs or anything visual which describes discusses whats involved as I’m unfamiliar with gymnastics.
Hey Judith – I only sell the Unit Plan + Station Signs, it does come with the Balances E-book which has illustrations of all the balances, however if you’re looking for video demonstrations of all the movements, check out the App called “Head Over Heels Gymnastics”
For the trampoline and vault.. Do you allow the kids to run and then jump off the trampoline or do you have start on the trampoline jumping and trying to gain height before they perform the move? Thanks!
Ben, when you have students do Level 1 and 2 off of the trampoline on to the vaulting mat do you have them put their hands on the vaulting mat and then jump up OR do you have them just try to jump off the trampoline and land on the mat?
We’re doing our gymnastics unit and using mats to vault over. How do you keep mats from sliding? I put my knee on the mats and have my body behind the mat as a brace but am still constantly adjusting it. Any ideas? Thanks!
We lay our landing mats against the wall and put the vaulting mats right next to it, you can see the way we set it up in the youtube video in the post above. It moves a little, but definitely helps a lot
Thanks so much! We’re stacking floor mats to vault over and those are sliding. Do you remember where you got your vaulting mats? Something to save up for. I’ll be moving our landing mat against the wall. Thanks!
This is a great rainy day activity as well. Especially around Olympic season. My 3 year old was very into the floor routines. Next time summer Olympics roll around shell be ready to create her own routine.
I’ve started my new and improved gymnastic unit using some of your helpful advice and videos. Kids are loving it!!! Thanks for helping to add some flare to my old gymnastics unit! Thought you might like the above video to get your kids excited about Parkour which I have included in our gymnastics unit this year!
We just focus on doing different jump shape and sticking the landing. It keeps it interesting and challenging to try different tricks like straddles, tucks or any other body shapes in the air once you master the basic jump and land with control.
Hey Lindy, paying members can login to the membership section here to download all the resources I create inside the members section: http://www.thepespecialist.com/login
Hi Ben, I have just paid for the gymnastics pack. The money has come out of my account and everything and I am unable to download. The file hasn’t shown up in emails or anywhere ?
Hey Courtney – we sent you an email with a download link, check your SPAM folder. We just sent a 2nd email, let us know if you didn’t get it. We’ll leave this comment up until the issue is resolve – thanks!
Great resource, I love the sheet for organizing your routine. My friend Kelly has a great site as well that offers ideas and videos from St. FX university if you are looking for more ideas http://people.stfx.ca/kthompso/Home.html
Thanks for sharing, I am excited to try some of your activities with my kiddos!
Excellent information! I am a gymnastics and circus coach and am starting my own mobile business to teach gymnastics to preschools and elementary schools. Your comment on explaining why gymnastics is important is so valuable. There will always be those kids (boys) who feel uncool trying the sport. At the gym I work at our most popular program is “Extreme Kids” which is basically gymnastics, parkour, trampoline, and general physical challenges. Boys love it, and really, parkour and gymnastics are so similar, especially at the beginning stages, that the class isn’t much different from a gymnastics class. Less focus on straight legs and pointed toes perhaps, but still lots of focus on technique.
When we have birthday parties at the gym, we do a Mission Impossible obstacle course that is always a hit. In order to win over the boys, I emphasize that there are parkour and gymnastic type challenges.
I also agree that kids love skill mastery and challenge. I like to incorporate lots of “how high can you…”, “how long can you”, “how many can you”, etc. Ideas include consecutive long jumps, running up the wall (ideally with an incline or even yoga/ sting mat, but not crucial… also chalk or something to hold with tape on the back so the kids can mark their spot), leaping over pool noodles (good for teaching split leaps too), sprints, number of tuck jumps, etc.
I love how you include balance tricks, not just because of their inherent value, but also because it gives the weaker kids something they can theoretically do well at. Making their own routine has the same benefit, not to mention the chance to be creative (I compare it to the benefits of art over crafts). I love how you have set up your program!
If equipment is limited, there are tons of gymnastics skills and drills can be taught with benches, walls, duct tape, chairs, pool noodles, hoola hoops, and tables.
If you teach older kids, you’ll probably have a gymnast or two to take advantage of. I would find out who is in competitive gymnastics in the school as he or she will be able to show drills and skills with correct technique and have a wide knowledge base to share with you.
This looks great. I am definitely interested in the package. Just curious to what grades this is specialized to? I teach all the way from K-12 at my school so I know it will hit some of those grades, I was just wondering what ones?
Thanks Stephen – The resource pack is focused on Elementary level, since that’s what I teach – but you can use the same ideas, concepts and activities for older students with a little modification.
I can’t give you specifics since I’ve never taught Gymnastics to middle/high school kids, it would just be me guessing about what’s appropriate and engaging for students.
Cheri says
I know nothing about gymnastics, I find your videos incredibly helpful!
Marcus says
Me either Cheri when I first started! Now it’s one of my favorite units!
Glad you’re enjoying the resources!
Jamie Marley says
Where can I find the gymnastics rules sign
Marcus says
Hey Jamie,
The Gymnastics Rules poster can be located within the Gymnastics Unit Resources along with lesson plans, stations signs, and much more!
It’s also included (with all of our other resources) within the PE Specialist Membership. Info can be found below:
https://www.thepespecialist.com/info
Hope this helps!
chris says
Love all your tips and hints. Some wonderful activities for all ages
Marcus says
You’re welcome Chris!
Glad you’re enjoying the resources!
Julie says
Thank you for the information and help.
Marcus says
You’re welcome Julie!
Glad you’re enjoying the resources!
Taylor Abrams says
I’m so appreciative that you mentioned that students get to practice jumping off of equipment, honing their balance on the balance beams, swinging from a rope, and watching themselves perform various movements. My niece has always wanted to try gymnastics so this just convinced me to get her into one. I also feel like gymnastics will allow her to harness her talent and potential so thanks for this.
Marcus says
So true Taylor!
We love providing opportunities for students to grow and learn!
Mike Eaton says
I am a wrestling coach at an intermediate school (grades 5-6) and am wanting to use my mats/wrestling room to develop a tumbling/gymnastics unit. I am in Texas and need to make sure I am within our TEKS. Looking for some help in developing a 2-day per week unit that might last 7-8 weeks. Anything I can beg/borrow/steal in a PDF format etc. so I can write this curriculum and share with my fellow PE teachers would be much appreciated!
Marcus says
Hey Mike!
Thanks for reaching out!
I would encourage you to look at our Gymnastics Resource Pack. It has a detailed unit breakdown of our Gymnastics unit which may help in your prep.
The link to the Gymnastics Resource Pack is below:
https://www.thepespecialist.com/downloads/gymnastics-resource-pack/
Hope this helps!
Miss J says
Fabulous resource, definitely feeling braver when it comes to teaching the children to jump off of equipment – I may have been putting it off! Thank you for all of the ideas.
Marcus says
You’re welcome! Glad you’re enjoying the resources!
Worksheets And Workbook Development Services says
Very informative and good article. Thank you very much!
Marcus says
You’re welcome! Glad you’re enjoying the resources!
jherissa says
i love it i was do it
Marcus Nellems says
Glad you enjoyed the activities!
fit2flaunt says
Thank for sharing this article..its amazing.
Marcus Nellems says
Thanks! Glad you’re enjoying the resources!
Womensecr says
Once they have mastered balancing, rolling, and tumbling, they can build their endurance by practicing them all in a continuous sequence. Creating sequences offers students the chance to be creative, have fun, and build confidence in their gymnastic skills.
Kelly Darling says
I noticed you were using fold out mats. What size/width/padding depth do you use?
Ben Landers says
4 x 8, not sure the depth, but there’s a link to ones I recommend here: https://www.thepespecialist.com/amazon/
Robert says
Very informative
Michelle says
This is a great unit. I was wondering if you could please send me the word document of the stations you have please?
Ben Landers says
Hey Michelle, you can purchase the stations (it’s a PDF) along with the unit in the gymnastics resource pack which is linked at the bottom of the post. If you just want the stand alone stations – check out our Station Teaching Tips Blog Post Here
Gabriel says
That is an amazing content! I am glad that I found your blog to inspire me and help me to feel confident to teach gymnastics to my students! Thank you very much! Regards from Brazil.
Ben Landers says
So pumped to hear that! Hope everything goes well with your Unit!
Sally says
feeling much better about teaching gymnastics after going through your unit and videos! Thanks for improving my instruction and keeping my kids safe.
Ben Landers says
Awesome! Glad to hear that it was helpful
Martin says
Hi!
Great content!
Regards
Ben Landers says
Thanks! Glad it was helpful
Cathy says
Hi, I am trying to download the Unit and it is not working. Any advice on what I am doing wrong, or another way to pay and download? Thanks!
Ben Landers says
Usually, this issue is related to a school filter, pop-up blocker, or browser issue – so we’d recommend trying from another computer, switching browsers and making sure all pop up blockers have been turned off.
As a last resort you can also find it on our Teachers Pay Teachers Page Here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Pe-Specialist
Melissa Shreve says
This is my first year teaching P.E. to Kindergartners, and this was very helpful. It’s was nice to see it laid out in an organized independent structure. Thank you for putting this all together- videos and all.
Ben Landers says
Teaching Kinder is definitely an art form 🙂 – glad it was helpful!
Ana says
Hey!!! I really need some help
I’m from Bolivia, and I just start working as a P.E. teacher in an international school. That means that all the teaching is like in US.
I really need help for planning my units and I’m having trouble about how mny units should I have for the entire year, the lenght, and the formative and summative assessment.
Thanks
Ben Landers says
Hey Ana – check out our post on How to Plan a Year of PE in 15 Minute… do a search on the site or google it
Judith Mc Greal says
Hi,
I am training to become a primary teacher and gymnastics is a strand that is part of the P.E. curriculum.
I am wondering if you sell DVDs or anything visual which describes discusses whats involved as I’m unfamiliar with gymnastics.
Kind Regards
Judith
Judith Mc Greal says
I’m training in Ireland but hoping to find a resource that will really help me to become much more familiar with this area.
Thanks again,
Judith
Ben Landers says
Hey Judith – I only sell the Unit Plan + Station Signs, it does come with the Balances E-book which has illustrations of all the balances, however if you’re looking for video demonstrations of all the movements, check out the App called “Head Over Heels Gymnastics”
Judith says
That’s brilliant.
Thanks for your help Ben!
Judith
Shane says
For the trampoline and vault.. Do you allow the kids to run and then jump off the trampoline or do you have start on the trampoline jumping and trying to gain height before they perform the move? Thanks!
Ben Landers says
We allow them to run and jump, but put a cone for the start of the line and it’s only about 5 feet from the trampoline
brianna says
thanks this helped alot
Shane says
Ben, when you have students do Level 1 and 2 off of the trampoline on to the vaulting mat do you have them put their hands on the vaulting mat and then jump up OR do you have them just try to jump off the trampoline and land on the mat?
Thanks!
Ben Landers says
Usually they use their hands, but if they can do it without that’s fine too, I don’t require them to use hands, it just makes it easier
Paula Campbell says
We’re doing our gymnastics unit and using mats to vault over. How do you keep mats from sliding? I put my knee on the mats and have my body behind the mat as a brace but am still constantly adjusting it. Any ideas? Thanks!
Ben Landers says
We lay our landing mats against the wall and put the vaulting mats right next to it, you can see the way we set it up in the youtube video in the post above. It moves a little, but definitely helps a lot
Paula Campbell says
Thanks so much! We’re stacking floor mats to vault over and those are sliding. Do you remember where you got your vaulting mats? Something to save up for. I’ll be moving our landing mat against the wall. Thanks!
Ben Landers says
They were already here when I started – they’re pretty pricey. They are called “Trapezoid Mats”, here’s an example
I would shop around and try to find a deal from a PE Equipment provider with a discount coupon or something
Jenna says
Would this work for k-4? Except for the specific things you listed with a specific grade level next to it?
Ben Landers says
I teach K-5, so yes
Traci Crusinberry says
Thanks for all the useful resources! You rock PE Specialist!
Marc Gatlin says
Awesome information! Thank you very much!!!
Ben Landers says
Sure thing – glad it was helpful!
Jayantha Pathirana says
Very useful for teachers I highly appreciate your endeavor
Ben Landers says
Thanks Jayantha! Glad it was helpful
Oylmpia Soccer says
You need to be a part of a contest for one of the most useful blogs on the net.
I am going to highly recommend this site!
Ben Landers says
Thanks!
laura Ellis says
nice video! 2 questions….How many students at a time do you have/ class and was the rope hanging from the ceiling or basketball goal?
Ben Landers says
We have either single class with about 25-30 kids or double class with around 50-55.
The rope is hanging from the ceiling.
Colleen says
This is a great rainy day activity as well. Especially around Olympic season. My 3 year old was very into the floor routines. Next time summer Olympics roll around shell be ready to create her own routine.
Angelo says
This is great stuff. Love getting new ideas
Jon Hoffnagle says
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCKmov9NRdA&app=desktop
Hey Ben,
I’ve started my new and improved gymnastic unit using some of your helpful advice and videos. Kids are loving it!!! Thanks for helping to add some flare to my old gymnastics unit! Thought you might like the above video to get your kids excited about Parkour which I have included in our gymnastics unit this year!
Jon
Ben Landers says
Good Stuff Jon! Thanks for sharing – I love Parkour, especially seeing kids get into it early.
Abby says
Hello –
Can you go into more details on your jumping and landing or jumping tricks you do with your students?
Ben Landers says
We just focus on doing different jump shape and sticking the landing. It keeps it interesting and challenging to try different tricks like straddles, tucks or any other body shapes in the air once you master the basic jump and land with control.
[email protected] says
Hello Ben, Where can I go to download the Gymnastics Resource pack if you are a member?
Lindy
Ben Landers says
Hey Lindy, paying members can login to the membership section here to download all the resources I create inside the members section: http://www.thepespecialist.com/login
Courtney says
Hi Ben, I have just paid for the gymnastics pack. The money has come out of my account and everything and I am unable to download. The file hasn’t shown up in emails or anywhere ?
HELP haha Thanks
Courtney
Ben Landers says
Hey Courtney – we sent you an email with a download link, check your SPAM folder. We just sent a 2nd email, let us know if you didn’t get it. We’ll leave this comment up until the issue is resolve – thanks!
meg says
I was just wondering for pe teachers without any gymnastics experience, could anyone recommend good gymnastics books for purchase as well?
Tracy MacKay says
Great resource, I love the sheet for organizing your routine. My friend Kelly has a great site as well that offers ideas and videos from St. FX university if you are looking for more ideas http://people.stfx.ca/kthompso/Home.html
Thanks for sharing, I am excited to try some of your activities with my kiddos!
Ben Landers says
Whoa – what an awesome resource. Thanks for sharing!
Mr. P says
Ben,
Where did you order the noodle holders for the rock wall from?
Ben Landers says
Mine came with my rock wall, which was from Everlast – but you can Google “Rock Wall Hold Noodle” and find other retailers to order from pretty easily
JoAnna Parker says
Excellent information! I am a gymnastics and circus coach and am starting my own mobile business to teach gymnastics to preschools and elementary schools. Your comment on explaining why gymnastics is important is so valuable. There will always be those kids (boys) who feel uncool trying the sport. At the gym I work at our most popular program is “Extreme Kids” which is basically gymnastics, parkour, trampoline, and general physical challenges. Boys love it, and really, parkour and gymnastics are so similar, especially at the beginning stages, that the class isn’t much different from a gymnastics class. Less focus on straight legs and pointed toes perhaps, but still lots of focus on technique.
When we have birthday parties at the gym, we do a Mission Impossible obstacle course that is always a hit. In order to win over the boys, I emphasize that there are parkour and gymnastic type challenges.
I also agree that kids love skill mastery and challenge. I like to incorporate lots of “how high can you…”, “how long can you”, “how many can you”, etc. Ideas include consecutive long jumps, running up the wall (ideally with an incline or even yoga/ sting mat, but not crucial… also chalk or something to hold with tape on the back so the kids can mark their spot), leaping over pool noodles (good for teaching split leaps too), sprints, number of tuck jumps, etc.
I love how you include balance tricks, not just because of their inherent value, but also because it gives the weaker kids something they can theoretically do well at. Making their own routine has the same benefit, not to mention the chance to be creative (I compare it to the benefits of art over crafts). I love how you have set up your program!
If equipment is limited, there are tons of gymnastics skills and drills can be taught with benches, walls, duct tape, chairs, pool noodles, hoola hoops, and tables.
If you teach older kids, you’ll probably have a gymnast or two to take advantage of. I would find out who is in competitive gymnastics in the school as he or she will be able to show drills and skills with correct technique and have a wide knowledge base to share with you.
Ben Landers says
Sounds like a fun business, JoAnna! Thanks for comment and the tips, I will try a few of those out.
Donald Chin'anga says
your article is well organised
IQRA says
Amazing resource for teachers. Thanks for sharing!
Stephen McComish says
This looks great. I am definitely interested in the package. Just curious to what grades this is specialized to? I teach all the way from K-12 at my school so I know it will hit some of those grades, I was just wondering what ones?
Ben Landers says
Thanks Stephen – The resource pack is focused on Elementary level, since that’s what I teach – but you can use the same ideas, concepts and activities for older students with a little modification.
I can’t give you specifics since I’ve never taught Gymnastics to middle/high school kids, it would just be me guessing about what’s appropriate and engaging for students.
Coach G says
Wow! I’m getting ready to do a gymnastics unit as well! This was right on time Mr. PEspecialist! Thank you for sharing! You rock!
Ben Landers says
Awesome! Glad it was helpful, thanks for checking it out!
RTT says
Can you tell me what mat configuration should be? Thin mats on top of thicker softer mats?