Gymnasts make amazing shapes and balances. Let us see what shapes your body can make!
Body shapes
- long and thin like a pencil
- wide like a star
- curled like a ball
- twisted like a corkscrew
Levels and pathways
Make your shapes at a high level (on tiptoe), a middle level (kneeling or bending) and a low level (on the floor). Move along a straight, curved or zigzag pathway.
Balances
Can you balance on 4 body parts (two hands, two feet)? On 3? On 2? On 1? Hold still for 3 seconds. Then transfer your weight by rocking, rolling, stepping or sliding into a new balance.
The stork stand
- Stand tall on one leg.
- Place the other foot against the inside of your standing knee.
- Hands on hips. Look at one spot in front of you.
- Hold for 10 seconds! Then try the other leg.
The side roll (pencil roll)
- Lie on your back on a mat, body long and straight like a pencil.
- Stretch your arms above your head, legs together.
- Keep your body stiff and roll sideways onto your tummy, then onto your back.
- Roll in a straight line to the end of the mat.
⚠️ Warm up first, use a clear space with no furniture or hard edges, and have a grown-up nearby. Rolls must be done on a mat or soft grass.
TRY ITMove and balance
Choose a game.
Let’s practise
Try each one. Then tap Show answer to check.
1. Name three body shapes.
Show answer
For example long and thin, wide, curled, twisted.
2. Name the three levels.
Show answer
High, middle, low.
3. Name three pathways.
Show answer
Straight, curved, zigzag.
4. How long should you hold the stork stand?
Show answer
10 seconds.
5. How does your body look in a side roll?
Show answer
Long, straight and stiff like a pencil.
Quick check
1. Can you balance on 3 body parts? Which ones?
Show answer
For example two hands and one foot.
2. Name one way to transfer weight.
Show answer
Rocking, rolling, stepping or sliding.
3. Why look at one spot in a balance?
Show answer
It helps you stay steady.
Words to know
Say these words with a grown-up. Can you use each one in a sentence?
shape · level · pathway · balance · transfer weight · stork stand · side roll
Try it at home
- Practise the stork stand while brushing your teeth (hold the sink with one hand at first).
- Make up a sequence: a shape, a roll, a balance. Show your family.
- Walk a zigzag pathway across the yard.
For parents and teachers
After this lesson, your child should be able to:
- make shapes at different levels and move along different pathways
- balance on 1–4 body parts and transfer weight
- perform the stork stand and side roll with good form
Warm up first, use a clear space with no furniture or hard edges, and have a grown-up nearby.
Previous: Infants 2 lessons (all subjects)
Next: Run, Jump, Throw and Catch
© 2026 Vedesh Kungebeharry. All rights reserved.