Course

Developmental Gymnastics and Movement Education

Faculty
Science & Technology
Department
Sport Science
Course Code
SPSC 5397
Credits
3.00
Semester Length
2 weeks
Max Class Size
25
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Lab
Seminar
Typically Offered
To be determined

Overview

Course Description
This course will focus on fundamental movement patterns, rhythmic and acrobatic gymnastics, and supporting learners to develop a robust movement vocabulary. Inclusive approaches to movement education and physical literacy will be central themes to the course.
Course Content

1. Historical overview of physical literacy and the current knowledge structure of the various gymnastics forms

  • Origins of gymnastics - role of gymnastics in society
  • Sport for life
  • Long term athlete development

2. Qualitative biomechanics of effective execution of the following fundamental movement patterns

  • Statics
  • Landings
  • Locomotions
  • Rotations
  • Swing
  • Spring
  • Projection and reception

3. Introduction to other forms of gymnastics and movement education

  • Rhythmic
  • Acrobatic
  • Laban’s movement taxonomy

4. Observation and analysis of gymnastics movements including safety, error detection, prioritization and correction

5. Pedagogical strategies for effective instruction of gymnastics for grades kindergarten to 7 and grades 8 to 12

  • Class management strategies
  • Circuits of activity
  • Safety considerations
  • Developmentally appropriate progressions
  • Allowing for individual differences (differentiated instruction)
  • Utilization of space and time
  • Curriculum considerations for grades kindergarten to 7 and grades 8 to 12

6. Risk Management

  • Safe landing methods
  • Handling and setting up of equipment
  • Spotting and non-spotting approaches
  • Progressive skill development
  • Warm up and cool down
  • Flexibility development
  • Class supervision
Learning Activities
  • Lecture
  • Practical application
  • Video observation
Means of Assessment

Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with Douglas College policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation may include the following:

Practice teaching – mini lessons 20-40%
Unit or lesson plan development  20-30%
Resource manual 20-30%
Preparation, participation, practical skills 10-20%
Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  1. Describe appropriate pedagogical strategies for effective, safe instruction of gymnastics for grades kindergarten to 7 and 8 to 12
  2. Describe the factors that contribute to effective performance of gymnastics fundamental movement patterns
  3. Teach progressions in select gymnastics movements as they relate to the development of physical literacy
  4. Evaluate proficiency in select gymnastics movements for both elementary and secondary school students
  5. Demonstrate theoretical and practical knowldedge of specific safety issues and risk management concerns associated with teaching gymnastics in a school environment
  6. Demonstrate proficiency in selected gymnastics movements
Textbook Materials

A list of recommended textbooks and materials is provided on the instructor's course outline, which is available to students at the beginning of each semester. Students can also consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. 

Requisites

Prerequisites

No prerequisite courses.

Corequisites

No corequisite courses.

Equivalencies

No equivalent courses.

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers

These are for current course guidelines only. For a full list of archived courses please see https://www.bctransferguide.ca

Institution Transfer Details for SPSC 5397
There are no applicable transfer credits for this course.

Course Offerings

Winter 2025