Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Before this lesson, ensure you have a clean, soft mattress or several thick mats laid out safely in an open space, away from walls or hard objects. The central idea is for pupils to understand what a somersault is and to safely practise the basic forward rolling movement. Emphasize tucking the head and rolling like a ball. Successful learning will be observed as pupils attempt the forward roll with appropriate body positioning and enthusiasm under close supervision.
Class: Pre-School Level 3
Term: Second Term
Week: 10
Age: 4 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Physical & Health Education
Curriculum Theme: Not separately stated in the scheme.
Previous Lesson: Simple body movements and following instructions.
Topic: Somersaulting
Subject Matter: Meaning and practice of somersaulting on a mattress.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Define a somersault/tumbling in simple terms.
- Identify the safe steps involved in performing a forward roll.
Affective Domain
- Show enthusiasm and willingness to participate in somersaulting activities.
- Listen carefully to safety instructions from the teacher.
Psychomotor Domain
- Demonstrate a basic forward roll (somersault) on a mattress with teacher guidance.
- Practise the preparatory steps for somersaulting, such as squatting and tucking the head.
Social Domain
- Take turns patiently during the somersaulting activity.
- Encourage their peers as they attempt the somersault.
Reference Materials
- NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 3.
- Early Childhood Care and Education resources on physical development.
- Relevant early-years physical education guides.
Instructional Materials
- A clean, soft mattress or several thick mats.
- Charts showing pictures of children performing somersaults/forward rolls.
- Video clips of children safely somersaulting.
- An open, safe playground or classroom space.
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson is crucial for 4-year-olds as it enhances their gross motor skills, coordination, balance, and body awareness. Learning to somersault safely builds confidence, strengthens core muscles, and provides an enjoyable physical outlet, contributing to their overall physical development and readiness for more complex movements.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils can already perform simple body movements like bending, squatting, and rolling on their backs. They can also follow basic instructions from the teacher.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Meaning and Practice of Somersaulting on a Mattress
A somersault, also called a forward roll or tumbling, is when you roll your body forward in a circle, head over heels, usually on a soft surface.
It is like rolling yourself into a ball and letting your body go over your head.
How to do a safe somersault (forward roll):
- Squat down: Bend your knees and sit low like a frog.
- Hands down: Put your hands on the mattress in front of you.
- Head tucked: Tuck your chin to your chest, like you are looking at your belly button. This makes your back round.
- Push and roll: Push off with your feet and let your body roll over your rounded back.
- Stand up: Try to stand up when you finish rolling.
Always do somersaults on a soft mattress or mat, and always with a grown-up watching you!
Key Words
- Somersault – Rolling your body forward, head over heels.
- Tumble – To fall or roll over and over.
- Mattress – A soft, thick pad used for sleeping or for soft landings.
- Roll – To move by turning over and over.
Movement Rhyme: The Rolling Fun
Tune: “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”
Lyrics:
Roll, roll, roll around,
On the soft mat, safe and sound.
Head tucked in, hands on the floor,
Roll like a ball, then do some more!
Actions: Squat down, tuck head, put hands on the floor, gently roll forward, then stand up.
Video Demonstration
💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary
How to teach the content: Explain “somersault” as a fun way to roll like a ball. Use simple language and demonstrate each step of the forward roll clearly. Emphasize the importance of tucking the head to protect the neck. Use the chart to show pictures of the movement.
What to show or demonstrate: Physically demonstrate each step of the forward roll on the mattress/mats. Show how to squat, place hands, tuck the head, and then roll. Repeat the demonstration several times, breaking it down into small parts.
How to use the rhyme/song: Introduce “The Rolling Fun” rhyme after explaining the steps. Sing it several times with the pupils, encouraging them to do the actions (squat, tuck head, hands down) as they sing. This helps them internalize the movements before attempting the full roll.
How to use the video: Play the video for the pupils, pausing to point out the key steps demonstrated by the child. Ask pupils to identify what the child is doing at each stage (e.g., “Where are her hands?”, “Is her head tucked?”). After watching, encourage pupils to try the actions shown in the video.
What to watch for: Pay close attention to pupils tucking their heads properly. Correct any tendency to roll directly onto the head. Ensure they are on the soft mattress/mats and have enough space. Provide physical support as needed, especially for their first attempts.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
- Demonstration
- Guided Practice
- Play-based Learning
- Songs and Rhymes
- Practical Activity
- Repetition
- Question and Answer
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Engaging/Warm-up
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils, leads a short warm-up (e.g., arm circles, leg stretches, gentle jumps), and then asks, “Who likes to roll around and play?” The teacher introduces the topic of somersaulting as a fun way to roll.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils greet the teacher, participate in the warm-up exercises, and respond to the teacher’s question with enthusiasm.
Learning Point: Pupils are physically warmed up and introduced to the lesson’s fun activity.
Step 2: Explanation of Somersault
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explaining/Visual Aids
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what a somersault (forward roll/tumbling) is using simple words and shows pictures on a chart. “A somersault is when you roll your body forward like a ball, head over heels, on a soft mat.” The teacher highlights the importance of safety.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, look at the pictures on the chart, and repeat the word “somersault” or “roll” after the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the basic meaning of a somersault and the concept of rolling.
Step 3: Teacher Demonstration
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstrating/Modelling
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates a safe forward roll on the mattress, breaking it down into slow, clear steps: squat, hands down, tuck head, push and roll, stand up. The teacher repeats the demonstration several times, emphasizing head tucking.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher’s demonstration carefully, focusing on the steps and the safe way to roll. They might mimic some actions like squatting or tucking their heads.
Learning Point: Pupils visually learn the correct and safe way to perform a somersault.
Step 4: Guided Practice (Preparatory Steps)
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guiding/Correcting
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to practise the preparatory steps without actually rolling. “Let’s all squat down like a frog. Now put your hands on the mat. Tuck your chin to your chest, look at your belly button!” The teacher provides individual feedback and correction.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practise squatting, placing their hands, and tucking their heads as instructed by the teacher, getting ready for the roll.
Learning Point: Pupils master the crucial initial steps for a safe somersault.
Step 5: Guided Practice (Rolling with Support & Rhyme)
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Facilitating/Encouraging
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher plays the “Rolling Fun” rhyme and encourages pupils to sing along while attempting a gentle roll with close teacher support. The teacher provides physical assistance to ensure a safe roll, especially for head tucking and guiding the roll over the back.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils sing the rhyme and, one by one or in small groups, attempt to roll forward on the mattress with the teacher’s help. They try to apply the steps they just practised.
Learning Point: Pupils begin to experience the full somersault motion with necessary support and reinforcement.
Step 6: Individual Practice/Activity
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Supervising/Observing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher continues to supervise closely as pupils take turns attempting the forward roll on the mattress. The teacher offers encouragement and gentle corrections, ensuring safety at all times. The video can be replayed if needed.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils continue to practise somersaulting, taking turns and encouraging their friends. They try to perform the roll more independently, remembering the steps.
Learning Point: Pupils gain confidence and further develop their somersaulting skills through repeated practice.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 4–5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher checks pupils’ understanding through short questions and practical tasks.
- “What is it called when we roll our body forward like a ball?”
- “Show me how you tuck your head for a somersault.”
- “Can you show me a safe somersault on the mattress?” (Observe a few pupils)
- “Why is it important to do somersaults on a soft mattress?”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond orally and demonstrate the required skill where appropriate.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarizing/Praising
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises pupils for their effort and participation, especially for trying to somersault safely. The teacher reminds them to always somersault on a soft surface and with an adult watching. The teacher leads a short cool-down activity (e.g., gentle stretches).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the teacher, participate in the cool-down, and express their enjoyment of the activity.
Learning Point: Pupils conclude the lesson feeling accomplished and understand the importance of safety.
Lesson Keywords
- Somersault – Rolling your body forward, head over heels.
- Tumble – To fall or roll over and over.
- Mattress – A soft, thick pad used for soft landings.
- Roll – To move by turning over and over.
- Safe – Not in danger; protected from harm.
Differentiation
- Support: For pupils who are hesitant or struggling, the teacher can provide more hands-on assistance, guiding their head tuck and supporting their back through the roll. They can also focus only on the preparatory steps (squat, hands, head tuck) until they are comfortable.
- Extension: For pupils who quickly grasp the somersault, encourage them to try and stand up smoothly at the end of the roll without using their hands. They could also be challenged to perform the roll with a slightly straighter line, maintaining control.
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