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Teaching gymnastics in primary schools can be one of the most rewarding parts of the physical education curriculum. It encourages children to explore movement, develop confidence in their bodies, and build a foundation of physical literacy that supports lifelong activity. But let’s face it, delivering gymnastics in schools can also feel a little daunting without a solid structure in place.
That’s where effective gymnastics planning comes in. With a clear gymnastics session plan, you can create fun, safe, and purposeful lessons that engage every pupil and support their development.
We’ll walk you through how to structure effective school gymnastics lessons, with practical tips and strategies to help you plan and teach with confidence.
At the heart of gymnastics in physical education is the development of physical literacy. Movements like jumping, rolling, balancing, and travelling form the building blocks for many other sports and activities. A well-planned gymnastics lesson plan helps children improve their coordination, strength, balance, and flexibility – all in a fun and engaging way.
There’s nothing quite like the sense of achievement a child gets from nailing a forward roll or holding a balance for the first time. Structured gymnastics lessons plans encourage children to set goals, try new things, and persevere through challenges—building confidence, focus, and self-discipline along the way.
Every great gymnastics session plan should have a few essential parts to help children get the most out of their time in the hall.
A good warm-up is crucial to prepare the body and mind for movement. It should be dynamic and relevant to the activities in the lesson. Think of animal walks, skipping, or simple balance games that get pupils moving and focused.
This is the core of your lesson. Focus on 1–2 key skills per session—such as rolls, jumps, balances, or travels. Use progressions to build on what pupils already know and give them time to practise and refine. Don’t forget to model the movements or use peer demonstrations to support visual learners.
Help pupils wind down with gentle stretching or calming movement games. Follow this with a short reflection: What did they enjoy? What was tricky? What would they like to try next time? This not only encourages ownership of learning but also reinforces key skills.
Before you even think about mats and cones, define your learning outcomes. What should pupils know, do, or understand by the end of the lesson? Clear objectives keep your teaching focused and allow for meaningful assessment.
Consistency is key. Use a template for your gymnastics lesson plans that includes a warm-up, skill development activities, opportunities for exploration, and a cool-down. This structure helps children know what to expect and gives your lesson a natural flow.
No two pupils are the same. Make sure your gymnastics planning includes adaptations for all abilities. For example, offer simpler balance options for beginners or challenge more advanced pupils with partner balances or sequences. Encouraging peer support and teamwork also boosts engagement.
Before each lesson, take a moment to check the equipment—mats should be secure, apparatus should be stable, and the area should be free of hazards. Properly maintained equipment is key to keeping gymnastics in schools both fun and safe.
While not every movement will require spotting, it’s important to know when and how to assist pupils safely. A good spot provides just enough support to guide movement without taking over—helping children feel safe and confident as they try new skills.
Keep an eye on how pupils are engaging with the lesson. Are they trying the skills independently? Are they applying feedback? Offer clear, positive suggestions to help them progress and feel proud of their efforts.
Use a simple checklist or notes system to track development over time. This is especially useful when planning future gymnastics in physical education lessons, as it allows you to tailor your approach based on pupil needs and progress.
If you're looking to deliver high-quality, engaging gymnastics in primary schools, Primary Gymnastics has everything you need to get started with confidence.
Curious about what a fully planned gymnastics lesson plan looks like? Take a look at our gymnastics sample resources where you can download real examples from our full schemes of work. These include:
Perfect for teachers new to gymnastics planning or those looking to refresh their current delivery, our free samples show exactly how we help schools transform their PE lessons.
At Primary Gymnastics, we believe every school should have access to high-quality gymnastics in physical education without breaking the budget. Our gymnastic lesson pricing plans are designed to be affordable and flexible, whether you’re a small primary or a larger multi-academy trust.
Our packages include:
With no hidden fees and resources you can use year after year, it's a cost-effective way to improve gymnastics in schools and get the whole staff delivering with confidence.
Delivering effective school gymnastics lessons doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right planning, a clear structure, and a little creativity, you can help pupils thrive physically and emotionally through gymnastics in primary schools. Whether you're new to gymnastics lesson plans or looking to refresh your approach, remember that every lesson is an opportunity for your pupils to discover what their bodies can do—and to have a brilliant time doing it. So grab your mats, plan your next gymnastics session, and enjoy watching your pupils grow in confidence and skill.
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