Gymnastics Shape Up
A fun, group warm-up where children transform into different shapes and animals using a mix of dynamic and static stretches. This activity builds flexibility, body awareness and sets the tone for focused gymnastics-based movement.
Set up
- Create a large circle using cones/markers or ask children to stand in a large circle.
- Make sure there is enough space between each child to stretch and move safely.
- Educator leads from the outside of the circle or stands in the middle to demonstrate.
Note: Gymnastics develops all-round physical skills including strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. All activities should be conducted in a safe environment with appropriate supervision, equipment and space. Educators should always encourage proper technique and adapt skills and activities to suit individual abilities.
How to play
Step 1:
- Form a large circle, with the educator leading from the outside or standing in the middle of the circle to demonstrate.
- The educator calls out and demonstrates a shape/stretch for everyone to copy.
Step 2:
Educator to lead the children through a series of different static (holding) and dynamic (moving) positions, such as:
- Arm circles (forwards, backwards, opposite arms)
- Standing toe touch
- Frog squat (squat down as low as you can without letting your feet come off the ground)
- Straddle sit (legs straight and wide apart, like a 'seated star')
- Seal pose (lie on stomach and push chest up with straight arms)
- Angry cat (hands and knees, arched back)
- Happy cat (hands and knees, rounded back)
- Disco cat (wiggling hips from side-to-side)
- Superhuman (lie on your front with arms and legs stretched out, arching back like you're 'flying')
- Dish (lie on your back with legs and arms extended squeezing ears, creating a dish shape)
- L-Sit (sit tall, arms and legs straight, and turn your body into an L shape)
- V-Sit (turn your body into an V shape)
- Tuck sit (turn your body into a tight rock position)
- Rock & Roll (rocking and rolling back and forth in a tuck sit position)
- Front support
- Side support
- Rear support
Step 3:
- Encourage children to experiment and create their own static (holding) and dynamic (moving) stretches.
- Challenge children to see how long they can hold a pose for.
- You could create your own illustrated version of this game, by printing out cards of different animals and shapes for children to move into!
Variations
Make it easier
- Focus only on static movements and shapes only.
- Demonstrate each position slowly and provide modifications where appropriate.
Make it harder
- Call out shapes faster for quick reactions.
- Add a “freeze and balance” challenge where children have to hold the position for a designated time.
Activity information
Age: Three year olds, Kindergarten, Pre-Primary, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6
Participants: 5
+
Duration: 5 minutes
Skill focus
Explore these skills for teaching tips
Physical literacy tips
- Encourage children to explore and create their own shapes and movements.
- Talk about the difference between static (holding) and dynamic (moving) stretches.
