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Lesson 1 - Finding Spaces and Walking Safely

Animal Movement Exploration

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Nursery

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Fundamental Movement Skills

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45 min

Big Question

How can we move safely around others while exploring different ways of travelling?

Learning Objectives

Develop spatial awareness by finding and using appropriate spaces
Practice walking forwards and backwards with control and safety
Learn to follow visual instructions and respond to signals

Key Outcomes

Children will confidently find spaces away from others and equipment
Children will walk forwards and backwards showing awareness of others
Children will demonstrate understanding of safety when moving

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls

30 (for Rob the Dinosaur's Eggs game)

Place all in centre circle for final game

Alternative: Soft balls, foam blocks, stuffed animals

Coloured Cones

1 set of 3

Teacher holds and shows clearly to all children

Alternative: Coloured cards, cones, or scarves

Hoops

6-8 large hoops

Placed around perimeter for team collection points

Alternative: Marked areas with tape, buckets, or boxes

Music Player

Ensure all children can hear clearly

Alternative: Whistle, drum, or voice

Key Vocabulary

Space

An area where you can move without touching others or equipment

Forwards

Moving in the direction you are facing

Backwards

Moving in the opposite direction to where you are facing

Traffic lights

Red means stop, green means go, yellow means get ready

Negotiate

Moving around others without bumping into them

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of stop and go
Ability to follow simple instructions
Beginning awareness of personal space

Current Skills

Finding appropriate spaces independently
Walking with control in different directions
Following visual signals for movement

Next Steps

Running with direction changes
More complex locomotion patterns
Team movement activities

Milestone Indicators

Consistently finds spaces within 10 seconds

Walks backwards safely for 10 steps

Responds to visual signals without verbal prompts

Key Teaching Points

Safety awareness is paramount - always check surroundings before moving backwards
Good spaces are away from walls, equipment, and other people
Visual attention skills are crucial for following signals without verbal prompts
Walking technique involves heel-toe action with head up for safety
Team cooperation and turn-taking are as important as individual skill development
Self-assessment helps children understand their own learning progress
Backwards walking requires particular attention to spatial awareness and checking

Common Misconceptions

Thinking any empty spot is a 'good space' - teach criteria for appropriate spacing
Believing faster movement is better - emphasise control over speed
Assuming backwards walking is just forwards walking in reverse - teach specific safety techniques
Thinking competition is about winning - focus on skill development and effort
Believing they can't learn if they need practice - normalize learning process

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Keep activities short with clear transitions, provide additional movement opportunities, use visual and kinesthetic learning approaches

dyspraxia

Break down movements into smaller steps, provide additional practice time, use visual and verbal cues together for motor planning

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of activities, allow sensory breaks if needed, use consistent language and routines throughout

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured signals held close to child, provide verbal descriptions of spatial layout, assign sighted buddy for navigation support

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for all instructions, demonstrate all movements clearly, use simple sign language or visual cards for key concepts

physical disability

Adapt movements to seated or supported positions, use modified equipment if needed, focus on achievable movement goals

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting bean bags in teams, understanding concepts of forwards/backwards direction, spatial awareness and positioning

Science

Understanding how our bodies move, balance and coordination, cause and effect with stopping and starting

PSHE

Taking turns in teams, following rules for safety, cooperation and sharing, building confidence and self-awareness

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter during activities to maintain visual contact with all children, position centrally during instruction giving

Observation Focus

Watch for spatial awareness development, response to visual signals, walking technique improvement, and social cooperation

Intervention Points

Step in if backwards walking becomes unsafe, support children struggling with space concepts, manage overexcitement during games

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: All movements with exaggerated clarity for nursery age children, use visual and physical prompts alongside verbal instructions, model safety checking behaviours consistently

Verbal Cues

•'Heads up, eyes forward!'
•'Check over your shoulder before stepping back!'
•'Find your own safe space!'
•'Gentle movements, stay in control!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 15m clear indoor space, free from obstacles

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface suitable for lying down during bean game

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Bean bags inspected for tears and secure seams
•Hoops checked for cracks or sharp edges
•Coloured signals clearly visible and safely handled

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during backwards walking
•Falls during jumping and animal movements
•Overexcitement leading to loss of control

Risk Mitigation

•Constant emphasis on shoulder checking during backwards movement
•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing maintained
•Regular reminders about controlled movements
•Teacher positioning for maximum visibility and quick intervention

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all children during backwards walking practice
•Monitor closely during team games for safe running
•Watch for children needing additional support or guidance

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, ensure other children remain calm and safe