Standards

·        Social Studies: Students will discuss activities and professions that require a high level of proficiency.

·        Physical Education: Students will research and report on a famous gymnast.

·        Physical Education: Students will practice basic tumbling moves.

Activities

1.     Use the News: What activities or professions are written about in the newspaper that require a high level of proficiency? Look for these types of situations and discuss them with the class. Can an average person do them? What education or training is required?

2.     Who have been some of the great gymnasts? From what countries have they come? In what events did they specialize? How many years did they compete? Does a gymnast have a long career? Why or why not?

3.     Gymnastics is not a popular participation sport because it is so difficult to perform; however, simple tumbling moves are fun and good for balance and coordination. Try these on a mat in your gym or out in the grass on the playground: headstand, handstand, forward roll, backward roll, cartwheel, backbend, etc. Pair students up so one can try it while the other guides them and helps balance them.

World of Wonder meets many state educational standards. This guide helps teachers identify standards and related activities generally intended for grade 6, but teachers can modify activities to the appropriate grade level.