Hero Stars Lesson Plan Gymnastics Stars: African American Heroes
Lesson Plan • Physical Education & Social Studies
60 Minutes
Ages 5-6
Why This Lesson?
This lesson introduces young children to gymnastics through the inspiring stories of African American athletes. It fosters an appreciation for diversity in sports while teaching students about determination, practice, and dreaming big.
Learning Objective
Students will be able to identify key African American gymnasts and describe what gymnastics is, while exploring basic movement and collaboration.
Materials & Preparation
Step-by-Step Instructions
5 min
Icebreaker Activity
Start with a fun circle where students share their favorite sport or physical activity. Encourage them to demonstrate a simple move or pose (like a basketball shot or a swimming stroke).
10 min
Introduction
Introduce gymnastics: "Gymnasts are like superheroes! They use their bodies to balance, flip, and stretch."
Ask: "Has anyone seen gymnastics on TV?"
Explain: "Today we meet the heroes who paved the way."
15 min
Story Time & Presentation
Use the Gymnastics Stars Slides to show Gabby Douglas, Simone Biles, and Dominique Dawes. Share their achievements (Gold Medals!) and the "Superpower" of perseverance.
20 min
Collaborative Art Activity
Divide into small groups. Give each group the Star Gymnast Coloring Pack . Students color together and talk about their favorite part of the gymnasts' stories.
10 min
Gymnastics Exploration
On the soft mats, demonstrate simple moves:
Balance: Standing on one leg like a flamingo.
Stretch: Reaching for the stars.
Tuck: Curling into a small ball.
5 min
Closure
"What is one thing you learned about being a star gymnast today?"
Gymnastics Stars Discussion Guide Gymnastics Stars Discussion
Talking about our gymnastics heroes!
1
Who is your favorite gymnast from the story? Why?
Think about their amazing moves or their winning smiles!
2
What challenges did the gymnast face, and how did they overcome them?
How did they stay strong when things were hard?
3
How can we support each other in achieving our goals?
What kind words can we say to our friends?
Gymnastics Stars • Believe in Yourself
Gymnastics Stars Presentation Slides Olympic Heroes
Gymnastics Stars
Meet the amazing African American heroes who fly through the air!
What is Gymnastics?
It is a sport where athletes use their strength, balance, and bravery to move in amazing ways!
Flips and Tumbles
Balancing on Beams
Swinging on Bars
"Like Superheroes without capes!"
1st Gold!
Dominique Dawes
The Trailblazer
Dominique was the first African American gymnast to win a Gold medal with her team!
Her Superpower:
"Awesome Dawesome" Power and Speed!
Gabby Douglas
The Flying Squirrel
Gabby made history in 2012. She was the first African American to win the All-Around Gold!
Her Superpower:
She flies high on the Uneven Bars!
History Maker
G.O.A.T.
Simone Biles
The Greatest of All Time
Simone has won more medals than anyone else in history! She has moves named after her.
Her Superpower:
Defying gravity with incredible flips!
The Superpower of Perseverance
These stars practiced every day. When they fell, they got back up. That is how they became heroes!
Dream Big
Work Hard
Never Give Up
It's Your Turn!
Let's explore some moves on the mats and color our heroes!
Are you ready to be a star?
Star Gymnast Coloring Pack Gymnastics Stars
Color your hero and dream big!
🤸🏾♀️
Color the Star!
Draw their leotard, their medals, and the crowd cheering!
Name: _______________________
Team Work Gold!
Decorate these medals with your team!
#1
Kindness Medal
#1
Perseverance Medal
#1
Bravery Medal
#1
Teamwork Medal
You are all gold medal stars!