• Mats

To create a tumbling routine by combining stunts with basic tumbling skills.

Make task cards describing the stunt, adding a picture or drawing. Place task cards on mats creating teaching stations. Rotate groups through the stations.

Music is always motivating.

Stress safety and be properly warmed up before you begin.

Students work in small groups and rotate to teaching stations. After visiting 2-3 stations, they combine new stunts with previously learned skills to create a tumbling routine. Rotate to all stations and end up with several combinations.

Egg Roll An egg roll is a basic movement used to introduce students into a tuck roll. Students begin by lying on their backs and grasping their knees in a tight tuck position. They rock themselves from side to side to imitate the movement as an egg would make. Let students practice wobbling in various directions.

Tripod As the student places his/her hands on the mat, he forms a large triangle. The head is placed at the top of the triangle. Place knees on the elbows and point the toes together. The triangle is the base of support.

Front Roll Encourage the students to tuck their chins to their chest. The legs should be tucked close to the body as the student rolls. The student may want to hold onto their knees.

1. Bend forward, placing hands on mat.
2. Jump with the legs, tucking the head.
3. Roll on the broad part of the shoulders and back.
4. Tuck the body in a ball.
5. Roll up to the feet to stand.

Airplane Scale This balance skill is performed on one foot. The student raises one leg behind him and leans forward. Spread the arms out to the sides. Hold the position for 10 seconds. Change legs.

Frog Stand This is a balance on 2 hands without using your feet. Start in squat position. Place knees on elbows. Lean forward placing all your weight on your hands.

Stretch head forward without letting it touch the mat.

Wring the Dishrag Two students face each other and join hands. Raise one pair of hands and turn under that pair of hands. Continue a full turn until back to the original position.

V-Up Lay on your back with arms overhead and extended. Keeping the knees straight and feet pointed, the legs and upper body are brought up at the same time to form a V.

Scooter The student begins in an extended sitting position on the floor with arms folded at chest but held chin high. To scoot, pull seat towards heels, using heel pressure and lifting the seat slightly. Extend legs forward again and repeat the process.

Rocking Horse Lie face down on a mat with arms extended overhead, palms down. With the back arched, rock back and forth.

Toe Toucher Partners lie on their backs with the heads near each other and the feet in opposite directions. Grasp each other, using a hand - wrist grip, and bring up their legs so the toes touch. Keep high on the shoulders and touch the feet high.

Seat Circle Sit on the floor, knees bent and hands braced behind. Lift the feet off the floor and push with the hands, so the body spins in a circle on the seat as a pivot. Circle right and left.

Toe Jump Hold the left toe with the right hand. Jump the right foot through without losing the grip on the toe. Jump back again. This is a difficult stunt!

Partner Pull-up Partners sit down facing each other in a bent knee position, with the heels on the floor and the toes touching. Pulling cooperatively, both come to a standing position. Return to the floor.

Thread the Needle Touch the fingertips together in front of the body. Step through with one foot at a time without the tips losing contact. Step back to the original position.

Chinese Get-up. Two students sit back to back and lock arms. From this position, both try to stand by pushing each other’s backs. Sit down again.