Teach and Learn Basic Gymnastics Skills

Target Audience

This e-course was designed for elementary physical educators looking to improve their gymnastics knowledge and teaching ability. The only skills covered in this course are the fundamentals of gymnastics and are of the correct levels to be taught in education. The course focuses on floor skills.

Course Purpose

The purpose of this course is to give detailed lessons on how to learn and teach fundamental gymnastics skills—with an emphasis on floor skills. The skills are broken down to make the learning of the skills achievable for all levels of abilities.

Course Description

This course breaks chosen floor style gymnastics skills into bitesize pieces and then builds up onto the whole action. By the end you will be able to competently teach the skills presented here and then be shown ways to extend the skills for more higher skilled pupils. The more challenging skills are shown in slow motion and each of the assignments have hints and tips containing the teaching points. The course will cover 6 gymnastics skills/concepts. They are Posture and Shapes, Jumps, Skills, Rolls, Leaps and Routines. The student will be able to review notes for each presentation, and take a short quiz on each section.

Course Goals

On completion of this course learners will be able to:

• Properly teach the fundamental shapes and posture required for gymnastics.
• Properly teach gymnastics jump with correct landing.
• Have detailed knowledge and be able to teach gymnastics floor skills.
• Teach numerous rolls.
• Teach leaping
• Teach linking gymnastics movements into a sequence.

Reading Materials

Teaching points will be displayed on the videos, there is very limited reading within this course.

Technology Needed to Complete

You will need a computer and/or tablet and a valid email address to contact the instructor or turn in materials.

Course Design/Schedule

We have estimated this module will take approximately 5 clock hours to complete. Of course this will vary with every learner. Since the course will take approximately 5 hours you could apply for 5 professional development hours/points from your school/school district. Make sure to check with your principal or professional development coordinator to see how this works in your district.

Students can start and complete assignments any time they wish. You will have an instructor that you can contact via email for help, and you will turn in some of your assignments via email to your mentor. Your instructor will communicate with you via email. The instructor will also review most of your work to make sure you are making the appropriate progress. You will not earn a letter grade from this course.

Standards

Source: SHAPE America National Standards for K-12 Physical Education (2016).

Standard 1 - The physically literate individual demonstrates competency in a variety of motor skills and movement patterns.

Standard 2 - The physically literate individual applies knowledge of concepts, principles, strategies and tactics related to movement and performance.

Standard 3 - The physically literate individual demonstrates the knowledge and skills to achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical activity and fitness.

Standard 5 - The physically literate individual recognizes the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression and/or social interaction.