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Lesson 5 - Dodging and Sliding Skills

Animal Movement Exploration

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Nursery

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Fundamental Movement Skills

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30 min

Big Question

How can we move our bodies sideways like crabs and dodge around obstacles safely?

Learning Objectives

To develop sliding techniques moving left and right
To practice dodging skills while negotiating space
To demonstrate control and coordination in sideways movement

Key Outcomes

Children will be able to slide sideways leading with different legs
Children will dodge and negotiate space successfully
Children will follow and copy movement patterns

Equipment & Resources Required

Tunnel Systems

Position for clear sound coverage of activity area

Alternative: Tambourine, drum, or smartphone with speaker

Cones

16 (4 per group of 4 children)

Groups of 2 cones per pair, then 4 cones for slalom activity

Alternative: Bean bags, hoops, or markers

Sun Markers

4-6

Mark clear finish lines for Rats and Rabbits game

Alternative: Chalk lines, tape, or natural boundaries

Team Tokens

Ready for distribution during conclusion

Alternative: High fives, verbal praise, or star chart

Key Vocabulary

Sliding

Moving sideways by stepping with one foot and bringing the other foot to meet it

Dodging

Quickly changing direction to avoid obstacles or other people

Leading leg

The foot that steps first when sliding sideways

Mirror

Copying exactly what someone else is doing

Freeze

Stop moving completely and hold still like a statue

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic walking and running skills
Understanding of left and right concepts
Ability to follow simple movement instructions

Current Skills

Sliding sideways with control
Dodging and space awareness
Mirror movement activities

Next Steps

Combining sliding with other locomotion skills
Advanced dodging patterns
Team-based sliding games

Milestone Indicators

Smooth sideways sliding motion

Quick direction changes

Good spatial awareness

Key Teaching Points

Sliding uses a step-together pattern with feet staying parallel
Body faces forward while moving sideways like a crab
Practice both left and right leading foot for balanced development
Listen carefully to instructions and music changes
Cooperation and turn-taking are essential for learning together
Safety comes first - controlled movement over speed
Everyone learns at their own pace and that's perfectly fine

Common Misconceptions

Children think sliding means running sideways - emphasise step-together pattern
Confusion about which foot leads - use consistent left/right language and demonstrations
Belief that faster is better - stress control and technique over speed
Thinking they can't do it if not perfect immediately - celebrate effort and progress
Assumption that competition means being unkind - teach fair play and sportsmanship

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts, clear boundaries marked, regular movement breaks, specific jobs or roles to maintain focus

dyspraxia

Slower movement patterns, simplified instructions, extra practice time, visual and physical guidance for technique

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed, consistent verbal cues

visual impairment

Use bright coloured cones, clear verbal descriptions of space, buddy system for navigation, tactile cues for direction

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all movements, hand signals for start/stop, written instructions available, clear sight lines to teacher

physical disability

Seated sliding adaptations, modified cone spacing, wheelchair-accessible sliding patterns, adaptive equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, descriptive vocabulary for movement, expressing feelings about activities

Science

Forces and motion, balance and gravity, body awareness and coordination

PSHE

Taking turns, cooperation with partners, fair play, self-assessment and reflection

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position for warm-up, move around during skill practice, stationed for game oversight

Observation Focus

Sliding technique development, spatial awareness, cooperation skills, fair play

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe movement, support struggling children, reinforce positive behaviour

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, involve children in demonstrations, show both correct and incorrect examples

Verbal Cues

•'Step and together!'
•'Like a crab moving sideways!'
•'Freeze like a statue!'
•'Gentle sliding!'
•'Find empty space!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 15m clear space indoors or outdoors

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, dry and even, free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Cones checked for damage and sharp edges
•Music system volume appropriate and positioned safely
•Boundary markers clearly visible and secure

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during sliding activities
•Loss of balance during sideways movement
•Over-excitement during competitive games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing guidelines established and enforced
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Emphasis on controlled movement over speed
•Regular safety reminders during activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all children during activities
•Monitor energy levels and excitement during games
•Watch for fatigue affecting balance and control
•Ensure fair play and gentle contact in tagging games

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation route identified