Photo Review: Fixing the Figure With a Tablet
Groups photograph their figures, compare them with a model, and fix alignment and supports based on what they see. Technology becomes a tool for better technique and safety.
How to play
- Introduce three things to check in each photo: base's back flat, flyer's supports on safe spots, spotter in position. Tablet rules: figure photos only, deleted at the end (4 min).
- Groups of four: build a three-person figure; the fourth student takes one photo from the side and one from the front (6 min).
- Review the photos as a group with the three-point checklist and choose one fix (5 min).
- Second build applying the fix, plus a new photo to compare before and after (8 min).
- Each group shows the teacher its before-and-after and explains what changed (5 min).
- Delete the photos in front of the teacher and collect the tablets (2 min).
Rules
- Only photograph the figure, never classmates outside the activity or close-ups.
- Photos stay on the tablet and aren't shared: delete them at the end.
- Anyone who doesn't want to be in a photo is the photographer or reviewer.
- The tablet stays off the mat during the build.
Variations
Easier
Two-person figure and just one checkpoint.
Standard
Three-person figure with all three checkpoints.
Harder
Slow-motion video of the climb and dismount to check transition technique too.
Adaptations
- Visual impairment: a partner describes the photo in detail and checks the posture with them by touching the base's back.
- Students without photo consent: photographer and reviewer; their group uses a figure where they spot from outside the frame.
- Injured students: lead reviewer with the checklist in hand.
Learning goals
- Use images to spot technical and safety mistakes.
- Compare before and after a correction.
- Use technology and other people's images responsibly.
Equipment for a class of 25
- gym mats: 14
- tablets: 5
Teacher tip
Check the school's photo consent list first; if there are no tablets, one department phone passed around works. The side photo teaches the most: it shows sagging backs right away.
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