Lesson 5 - Dodging and Sliding Skills
Animal Movement Exploration
•Nursery
•Fundamental Movement Skills
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Position for clear sound coverage of activity area
Alternative: Tambourine, drum, or smartphone with speaker
Groups of 2 cones per pair, then 4 cones for slalom activity
Alternative: Bean bags, hoops, or markers
Mark clear finish lines for Rats and Rabbits game
Alternative: Chalk lines, tape, or natural boundaries
Ready for distribution during conclusion
Alternative: High fives, verbal praise, or star chart
Key Vocabulary
Moving sideways by stepping with one foot and bringing the other foot to meet it
Quickly changing direction to avoid obstacles or other people
The foot that steps first when sliding sideways
Copying exactly what someone else is doing
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
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