To further increase back flexibility, work on the back circle. Have the class lie prone. Place the hands in front of the chest. Keep the legs straight and the toes pointed. Straighten the arms slowly, this arches the back. At the peak of the arch, tip the head back and bend the knees in an effort to touch toes to head. Improvement can be measured by the lessening distance between toes and head.

The last essential to the beginner's gymnastic program is the somersault, or forward roll. This used to be part of every child's bag of tricks, but few children can do it today; some are actually incapable of rolling forward and are completely confused when not sitting or standing upright. For most small children, learning a forward roll is simply a matter of copying another child who can. After it has been seen, have the child start on a mat on hands and knees (a thin, inexpensive mat is quite sufficient for anything that does not require falling). He places the hands on either side of the head, keeping the chin down on the chest. He then pushes his seat into the air and the teacher guides it over. One or two practice runs should be sufficient for solo. If, however, the child is weak, overweight, or afraid, more help will be needed. When the child raises his seat into the air, the teacher takes hold under both sides of the pelvis; then no matter what happens, the child's performance will be controlled. By lifting the seat upwards a little, the weight is taken off the neck and the back is kept rounded.