Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Before this lesson, ensure you have a clean, soft, and thick mattress placed on a flat, clear surface in an open area like a playground or large classroom. Prioritise safety by demonstrating each step clearly and providing close physical supervision and assistance to every child as they attempt somersaulting. The central idea is for pupils to safely experience and practise the basic forward rolling motion of a somersault, building body awareness and coordination.
Class: Pre-School Level 3
Term: Third Term
Week: 9
Age: 4 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Physical and Health Education
Curriculum Theme: Physical and Health Education
Previous Lesson: Simple balancing activities
Topic: Somersaulting Practice on a Mattress
Subject Matter: Somersaulting
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Identify the main steps involved in performing a somersault.
- Explain why it is important to somersault on a soft surface.
Affective Domain
- Show enthusiasm and confidence when attempting to somersault.
- Follow safety instructions during the somersaulting practice.
Psychomotor Domain
- Demonstrate the correct body position for starting a somersault (squat, hands down, head tucked).
- Practise performing a guided somersault on a mattress with teacher assistance.
Social Domain
- Take turns and wait patiently for their turn to somersault.
- Participate actively and safely in the group activity.
Reference Materials
- NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 3
- Relevant Early Childhood Care and Education resources
Instructional Materials
- One or more thick, soft mattresses
- Open space or playground
- Video display (tablet, TV or projector)
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson is important for 4-year-olds as it develops fundamental gross motor skills, balance, and body coordination. Practising somersaulting helps children understand how their body moves in space, building spatial awareness and confidence in physical activities. It also encourages them to follow instructions and practise safety in movement.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils can follow simple instructions, understand basic body movements like bending and rolling, and have practised other simple physical activities.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Somersaulting Practice on a Mattress
Somersaulting is a fun way to roll your body forward, like a ball! We use a soft mattress to keep us safe.
How to Somersault Safely (Steps):
- Squat Down: Bend your knees and squat low to the mattress.
- Hands Down: Place your hands flat on the mattress in front of you.
- Tuck Your Head: Tuck your chin to your chest, looking at your tummy. Make your head like a ball!
- Push and Roll: Gently push off with your feet and let your body roll forward over your back.
- Stand Up: Try to stand up when you finish rolling.
Always practise on a soft mattress and with a grown-up watching to keep you safe!
Key Words
- Somersault – To roll your body forward, head over heels.
- Mattress – A soft bed or pad used for sleeping or safe play.
- Roll – To turn over and over.
- Safe – Not in danger; protected from harm.
Movement Rhyme: Roll Like a Ball
Tune: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
Squat down low, hands on the floor,
Tuck your head, then roll some more.
Push your feet, a gentle spin,
Round and round, let the fun begin!
Somersault, so soft and grand,
Safely rolling on the land.
Actions:
- “Squat down low, hands on the floor” – Pupils squat and place hands down.
- “Tuck your head, then roll some more” – Pupils tuck chin to chest.
- “Push your feet, a gentle spin” – Pupils make a pushing motion with feet.
- “Round and round, let the fun begin!” – Pupils make a circular motion with hands.
- “Somersault, so soft and grand” – Pupils pretend to roll.
- “Safely rolling on the land” – Pupils pat the floor.
Video Demonstration
💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary
How to teach the content: Explain somersaulting as “rolling like a ball.” Break down the steps into very simple, actionable instructions. Emphasise safety by always using the mattress and having the teacher nearby. Use clear, slow demonstrations for each step.
What to show or demonstrate: Demonstrate each step of the somersault on the mattress: squatting, placing hands, tucking the head, pushing, and rolling. Show how to gently assist pupils by supporting their back or hips as they roll.
How to use the rhyme/song: Introduce the “Roll Like a Ball” rhyme after the initial demonstration. Sing it several times, encouraging pupils to do the actions. Use it to reinforce the idea of rolling and body position before and during practice sessions.
How to use the video: Introduce the video as “watching how to roll safely.” Play the video for pupils, pausing to highlight key body positions (squat, hands, tucked head). After watching, encourage pupils to imitate the movements shown, reinforcing the steps you have already demonstrated.
What to watch for: Observe if pupils are tucking their heads properly (chin to chest) to protect their necks. Watch for proper hand placement and gentle pushing. Ensure each child receives adequate support and supervision to prevent injuries.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
- Demonstration
- Guided Practice
- Play-based Learning
- Imitation
- Repetition
- Songs and Rhymes
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Engagement/Warm-up
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and leads them in a simple warm-up exercise like stretching arms, bending knees, and gentle neck rolls. The teacher then introduces the topic of somersaulting, asking if anyone has seen someone roll like a ball.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils greet the teacher, participate in warm-up exercises, and respond to the teacher’s questions.
Learning Point: Pupils are physically prepared and mentally engaged for the lesson.
Step 2: Explanation and Demonstration
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what somersaulting is (rolling forward like a ball) and why it’s important to do it safely on a mattress. The teacher then demonstrates the full somersault on the mattress, breaking it down into simple steps (squat, hands down, tuck head, push, roll).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, observe the teacher’s demonstration, and identify the soft mattress as a safe surface.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the concept of somersaulting and observe the correct technique.
Step 3: Guided Practice – Step 1 (Squat and Hands)
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Observation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to practise the first two steps: squatting down on the mattress and placing their hands flat in front of them. The teacher provides individual feedback and correction.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils squat down and place their hands on the mattress, imitating the teacher’s demonstration.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the correct starting position for a somersault.
Step 4: Guided Practice – Step 2 (Tuck Head and Push)
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Safety Instruction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to practise tucking their chin to their chest (making their head like a ball) and gently pushing off with their feet. The teacher emphasises the importance of tucking the head for safety.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practise tucking their heads and making a gentle pushing motion while still in the squatting position.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the crucial step of tucking the head for a safe roll.
Step 5: Full Guided Practice with Rhyme
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Individual Support/Encouragement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads the pupils in singing the “Roll Like a Ball” rhyme. Then, one by one or in very small supervised groups, the teacher assists pupils in attempting a full somersault on the mattress, providing physical support as needed. The teacher praises effort and correct technique.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils sing the rhyme and take turns attempting a somersault with the teacher’s guidance and support.
Learning Point: Pupils actively practise the full somersault motion and gain confidence.
Step 6: Video and Reinforcement
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Visual Reinforcement/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher plays the video demonstration of somersaulting, encouraging pupils to watch closely. After the video, the teacher asks pupils to point out the steps they saw and leads a brief discussion on what they learned from the video, reinforcing the safety aspects.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the video, point out steps, and discuss what they observed.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding of somersaulting steps and safety through visual learning.
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 body part should you tuck in when you somersault?” (Head/chin)
- “Why do we somersault on a soft mattress?” (For safety/not to get hurt)
- Ask pupils to show the starting position for a somersault (squat, hands down, head tucked).
- Observe pupils as they attempt one more guided somersault, noting their adherence to safety steps.
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: Summarisation/Cool-down
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises pupils for their participation and effort in somersaulting. The teacher reminds them to only somersault on soft surfaces with an adult watching. The teacher leads a gentle cool-down stretch.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary, participate in the cool-down, and thank the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and end the activity safely.
Lesson Keywords
- Somersault – To roll your body forward, head over heels.
- Mattress – A soft bed or pad used for safe play.
- Roll – To turn over and over.
- Safe – Protected from danger or harm.
Differentiation
- Support: For pupils who are hesitant or struggling, the teacher can provide more physical assistance, such as hand-over-hand guidance for placing hands, or gentle support on their back and hips to initiate the roll. Break down the steps into even smaller, more manageable parts.
- Extension: For pupils who quickly grasp the somersault, encourage them to try more independent somersaults with minimal teacher support. They could also be challenged to hold the “tuck” position for a count of three before rolling.
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