Gymnastics: Meaning and Benefits of Gymnastics with Apparatus Activities Primary 5 (Basic 5) Second Term Week 9 Physical and Health Education

GYMNASTICS WITH FLOOR ACTIVITIES: MEANING AND BENEFITS (IMPORTANCE) OF GYMNASTICS WITH FLOOR ACTIVITIES

PHYSICAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION (PHE)

PRIMARY 5 – SECOND TERM – WEEK 9

THEME – BASIC MOVEMENTS (GYMNASTICS WITH APPARATUS ACTIVITIES 

PREVIOUS LESSON – Gymnastics: Meaning and Benefits of Gymnastics with Floor Activities Primary 5 (Basic 5) Second Term Week 8 Physical and Health Education

TOPIC – GYMNASTICS WITH APPARATUS ACTIVITIES 

LEARNING AREA

1. Introduction

2. Meaning and Benefits of Gymnastics with Apparatus Activities

3. Practical Demonstration of Gymnastics with Apparatus Activities

4. Weekly Assessment: Test Questions and Answers/Assignment

5. Summary

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Explain the meaning of gymnastics.

Explain the meaning of gymnastics with apparatus activities.

Mention different gymnastics apparatus.

State the benefits of gymnastics with apparatus activities.

Demonstrate simple gymnastics activities using apparatus safely.

ENTRY BEHAVIOUR

Pupils have previously learned about gymnastics with floor activities, including forward roll, backward roll, bridge, handstand, shoulder stand, log roll, jumping and landing, and balancing on one foot. They also learned that gymnastics improves strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and body control.

This lesson builds on that knowledge by introducing gymnastics with apparatus activities, where pupils learn to perform gymnastics exercises using special equipment such as the balance beam, vaulting box, horizontal bar, parallel bars, rings, and gymnastics mat. These activities further improve physical fitness, confidence, and coordination.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

The teacher will teach the lesson with the aid of:

Balance beam

Vaulting box

Horizontal bar

Parallel bars

Gymnastics rings

Gymnastics mat

Pictures of gymnastics apparatus

Whistle

Whiteboard and marker

METHOD OF TEACHING

Choose a suitable and appropriate methods for the lessons.

Note – Irrespective of choosing methods of teaching, always introduce an activities that will arouse pupil’s interest or lead them to the lessons. 

REFERENCE MATERIALS

1. Scheme of Work

2. 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum

3. Course Book

4. All Relevant Material

5. Online Information

CONTENT OF THE LESSON

INTRODUCTION

Gymnastics can be performed on the floor or with special equipment called apparatus. These apparatus help gymnasts perform different movements that improve strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and body control.

In this lesson, pupils will learn the meaning of gymnastics with apparatus activities, identify common gymnastics apparatus, and explain the benefits of using them during gymnastics exercises.

LESSON 1 – MEANING OF GYMNASTICS

Gymnastics is a physical activity or sport that involves performing different body movements and exercises to improve strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and body control.

MEANING OF GYMNASTICS WITH Apparatus ACTIVITIES

Gymnastics with apparatus activities are gymnastics exercises performed using special equipment (apparatus) such as the balance beam, bars, rings, vaulting box, and mats. These activities help improve physical fitness and gymnastic skills.

COMMON GYMNASTICS APPARATUS

1. Balance Beam – The balance beam is a long, narrow beam used for balancing, walking, jumping, and turning.

2. Vaulting Box – The vaulting box is used for jumping over obstacles to improve strength and coordination.

3. Horizontal Bar – The horizontal bar is a strong metal bar used for swinging and hanging exercises.

4. Parallel Bars – Parallel bars are two bars placed side by side for balancing, swinging, and supporting the body.

5. Gymnastics Rings – Gymnastics rings are hanging rings used for swinging, hanging, and strength exercises.

6. Gymnastics Mat – The gymnastics mat provides a soft surface for safe landings and exercises.

LESSON 2 – BENEFITS (IMPORTANCE) OF GYMNASTICS WITH APPARATUS ACTIVITIES

1. It improves body strength.

2. It increases flexibility.

3. It improves balance and coordination.

4. It develops body control.

5. It builds confidence.

6. It improves concentration.

7. It encourages discipline.

8. It improves physical fitness.

9. It develops courage and self-confidence.

10. It helps pupils perform movements safely.

11. It reduces the risk of injury when proper equipment is used.

12. It prepares pupils for advanced gymnastics and other sports.

LESSON 3 – PRACTICAL DEMONSTRATION OF GYMNASTICS WITH APPARATUS ACTIVITIES

The teacher demonstrates simple gymnastics activities using different gymnastics apparatus while pupils observe and practise safely under close supervision.

1. Warm-Up Exercises

• Pupils jog slowly on the spot.

• Stretch the arms, shoulders, waist, and legs.

• Rotate the wrists and ankles gently.

2. Balance Beam Activity

• Pupils walk carefully along the balance beam.

• Stretch both arms sideways to maintain balance.

• Step down safely at the end.

3. Vaulting Box Activity

• Pupils run towards the vaulting box.

• Place both hands on the vaulting box.

• Jump over the vaulting box and land safely on the gymnastics mat.

4. Horizontal Bar Activity

• Pupils hold the horizontal bar firmly.

• Hang with both hands for a few seconds.

• Swing gently and return safely to the mat.

5. Parallel Bars Activity

• Pupils hold the parallel bars.

• Support the body with both hands.

• Move forward slowly between the bars.

6. Gymnastics Rings Activity

• Pupils hold the rings firmly.

• Hang for a few seconds.

• Swing gently while maintaining body control.

7. Safe Landing Practice

• Pupils jump from a low apparatus onto the gymnastics mat.

• Land softly with both feet and knees slightly bent.

8. Cool-Down Exercises

• Walk slowly around the activity area.

• Stretch the arms and legs.

• Take deep breaths to relax the body.

GROUP PRACTICAL ACTIVITY

The teacher divides the class into groups.

• Group 1: Practise walking on the balance beam.

• Group 2: Practise vaulting over the vaulting box.

• Group 3: Practise hanging and swinging on the horizontal bar and rings.

• Group 4: Practise supporting the body on the parallel bars and safe landing on the gymnastics mat.

Each group demonstrates its assigned activity before the class.

SAFETY RULES DURING GYMNASTICS WITH APPARATUS ACTIVITIES

1. Warm up before using any apparatus.

2. Use only strong and well-maintained apparatus.

3. Perform activities on a gymnastics mat.

4. Wear appropriate sports clothing and shoes.

5. Follow the teacher’s instructions at all times.

7. Wait for your turn and avoid pushing others.

8. Do not attempt difficult movements without the teacher’s assistance.

9. Stop immediately and report any injury or discomfort to the teacher.

WEEKLY ASSESSMENT: TEST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS/ASSIGNMENT 

A. Multiple Choice Questions

1. Gymnastics with apparatus activities are performed using ______.

A. books

B. desks

C. chairs

D. special equipment

2. Which of the following is a gymnastics apparatus?

A. Football

B. Hockey stick

C. Balance beam

D. Tennis ball

3. Which apparatus is used for balancing?

A. Vaulting box

B. Rings

C. Horizontal bar

D. Balance beam

4. Which apparatus is used for hanging and swinging?

A. Gymnastics rings

B. Basketball hoop

C. Goal post

D. Table tennis table

5. One benefit of gymnastics with apparatus activities is that it ______.

A. weakens the body

B. improves balance and coordination

C. causes sickness

D. reduces flexibility

B. Fill in the Blanks

6. Gymnastics with apparatus activities are performed using ______.

7. The ______ is used for balancing.

8. The ______ provides a soft surface for safe landing.

9. The ______ is used for jumping over obstacles.

10. Gymnastics with apparatus activities improve ______ and flexibility.

C. True or False

11. The balance beam is a gymnastics apparatus. ______

12. Gymnastics rings are used for hanging and swinging. ______

13. A gymnastics mat does not helps to prevent injuries. ______

14. Pupils should perform gymnastics without the teacher’s supervision. ______

15. Gymnastics with apparatus activities improve body control. ______

D. Match Column A with Column B

Column A – Column B

16. Balance beam – A. Soft landing surface

17. Vaulting box – B. Used for hanging and swinging

18. Gymnastics rings – C. Used for balancing

19. Gymnastics mat – D. Used for jumping over obstacles

20. Horizontal bar – E. Used for hanging and swinging exercises

ANSWER KEYS

1. D – Special equipment

2. C – Balance beam

3. D – Balance beam

4. A – Gymnastics rings

5. B – Improves balance and coordination

6. apparatus (special equipment)

7. balance beam

8. gymnastics mat

9. vaulting box

10. strength

11. True

12. True

13. False

14. False

15. True

16. C – Used for balancing

17. D – Used for jumping over obstacles

18. B – Used for hanging and swinging

19. A – Soft landing surface

20. E – Used for hanging and swinging exercises

SUMMARY

In this lesson, pupils learned that gymnastics is a physical activity or sport that involves different body movements and exercises to improve strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and body control.

They also learned that gymnastics with apparatus activities are exercises performed using special gymnastics equipment (apparatus).

Pupils identified common gymnastics apparatus, including:

• Balance beam

• Vaulting box

• Horizontal bar

• Parallel bars

• Gymnastics rings

• Gymnastics mat

They further learned that gymnastics with apparatus activities:

• Improves body strength.

• Increases flexibility.

• Improves balance and coordination.

• Develops body control.

• Builds confidence.

• Improves concentration.

• Encourages discipline.

• Improves physical fitness.

• Helps pupils perform movements safely.

• Prepares pupils for other sports and gymnastics activities.

Finally, pupils participated in practical demonstrations using the balance beam, vaulting box, horizontal bar, parallel bars, gymnastics rings, and gymnastics mat while observing the necessary safety rules.

PRESENTATION

To deliver the lesson, the teacher adopts the following steps:

Step 1: Introduction – The teacher asks pupils to mention some gymnastics floor activities they learned in the previous lesson. The teacher introduces gymnastics with apparatus activities and explains that some gymnastics exercises are performed using special equipment.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils mention floor gymnastics activities and listen attentively.

Step 2: Meaning of Gymnastics – The teacher explains the meaning of gymnastics and gymnastics with apparatus activities.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils explain gymnastics with apparatus activities in their own words.

Step 3: Common Gymnastics Apparatus – The teacher displays and explains common gymnastics apparatus, including:

• Balance beam

• Vaulting box

• Horizontal bar

• Parallel bars

• Gymnastics rings

• Gymnastics mat

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils identify and name the different gymnastics apparatus.

Step 4: Benefits of Gymnastics with Apparatus Activities – The teacher explains the benefits of gymnastics with apparatus activities, such as improving strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, body control, confidence, and physical fitness.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils state the benefits of gymnastics with apparatus activities.

Step 5: Practical Demonstration – The teacher demonstrates simple gymnastics activities using the apparatus, including:

• Walking on the balance beam

• Jumping over the vaulting box

• Hanging on the horizontal bar

• Supporting the body on the parallel bars

• Hanging and swinging on the gymnastics rings

• Safe landing on the gymnastics mat

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils observe and practise the activities under the teacher’s supervision.

Step 6: Group Activity – The teacher divides the class into four groups and assigns the following activities:

• Group 1: Practise walking on the balance beam.

• Group 2: Practise vaulting over the vaulting box.

• Group 3: Practise hanging and swinging on the horizontal bar and gymnastics rings.

• Group 4: Practise supporting the body on the parallel bars and safe landing on the gymnastics mat.

Each group demonstrates its assigned activity before the class.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils work together, perform the assigned activities, and present them.

Step 7: Lesson Summary – The teacher reviews the meaning of gymnastics, gymnastics with apparatus activities, the different apparatus, and their benefits.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils answer oral questions and summarise the lesson.

Step 8: Evaluation – The teacher asks oral and written questions and observes pupils demonstrating simple gymnastics activities with apparatus correctly and safely.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils answer the evaluation questions and actively participate in the practical activities.

CONCLUSION

To conclude the lesson for the week, the teacher revises the entire lesson and links it to the following week’s lesson.

NEXT LESSON

Recreation: Meaning and Components of Recreation, Benefits of Recreation Primary 5 (Basic 5) Second Term Week 10 Physical and Health Education

LESSON EVALUATION 

Teacher asks pupils,

1. What is gymnastics?

2. What are gymnastics with apparatus activities?

3. Mention five gymnastics apparatus.

4. State five benefits of gymnastics with apparatus activities.

5. Which apparatus is used for balancing?

6. Which apparatus is used for jumping over obstacles?

7. Why is a gymnastics mat important during gymnastics activities?

8. Mention three safety rules to observe when using gymnastics apparatus.

9. Mention three gymnastics apparatus activities demonstrated during the practical lesson.

10. Demonstrate any three gymnastics activities using apparatus correctly and safely (such as walking on the balance beam, hanging on the horizontal bar, swinging on the rings, vaulting over the vaulting box, or supporting the body on the parallel bars).