Lesson 6 - Galloping with Confidence
Animal Movement Exploration
•Nursery
•Fundamental Movement Skills
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we gallop like horses while keeping control of objects and staying safe around our friends?
Learning Objectives
- To develop galloping technique with both left and right lead legs
- To demonstrate object manipulation skills while galloping
- To show awareness of space and safety when moving around others
Key Outcomes
- Children will gallop confidently using either leg as the lead leg
- Children will manipulate objects whilst maintaining galloping rhythm
- Children will demonstrate fair play and acceptance of decisions in games
Equipment & Resources Required
Use different colours for relay activities - suggest red, white, yellow, blue sequence
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or other boundary markers
Distribute around perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Small soft balls, scarves, or light objects for manipulation
Only for 'Boulders' game activity
Alternative: Soft foam balls, light playground balls
Key Vocabulary
A locomotor movement where one foot always leads, stepping forward with a spring followed by the back foot catching up
The foot that always steps forward first in a gallop
A small bounce or hop that gives energy to the movement
Moving weight from one foot to the other
Knowing where you are in relation to others and objects around you
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running and jumping movements
- Understanding of personal space
- Ability to follow simple instructions
Current Skills
- Galloping with spring and rhythm
- Changing lead leg whilst galloping
- Object manipulation during locomotion
- Spatial awareness during movement
Next Steps
- Combining galloping with other locomotor skills
- Galloping in different directions and pathways
- Advanced object manipulation during movement
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- One foot always leads in galloping - same foot stays in front throughout
- Spring between steps gives galloping its characteristic rhythm and energy
- Spatial awareness is crucial - children must watch where they're going
- Quality technique is more important than speed in galloping
- Fair play and good sportsmanship make games enjoyable for everyone
- Self-assessment helps children understand their own learning progress
- Object manipulation while galloping develops advanced coordination skills
Common Misconceptions
- Galloping is just running fast - Correction: It's a specific step-together-step pattern
- Any foot can lead at any time - Correction: The same lead foot must stay in front throughout
- You must gallop with left foot leading - Correction: Either foot can be the lead leg
- Winning games is most important - Correction: Fair play and effort are more valuable than winning
- If you can't do something, you're not good at PE - Correction: Everyone learns at their own pace
- Galloping is only for horses - Correction: It's a fundamental human movement skill used in many activities
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries, positive behaviour reinforcement, movement breaks built in
dyspraxia
- Slower pace instruction, extra practice time, simplified movements initially, peer support partners
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available, consistent verbal cues
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured equipment, clear verbal descriptions of space, buddy system for navigation, tactile boundaries
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations, hand signals for stop/start, visual cues for game changes, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Adapted galloping in wheelchairs, seated arm movements mimicking gallop rhythm, modified object manipulation
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following verbal instructions, descriptive language for movement, listening skills, expressing feelings about achievements
Science
Body parts and movement, balance and coordination, forces in pushing off ground, animal movements and adaptations
Mathematics
Counting galloping steps, patterns in movement, sequencing left-right-left, measuring distances in games
PSHE
Taking turns, fair play, celebrating differences in ability, resilience when learning new skills, teamwork and cooperation
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter during activities, centre position for demonstrations, corner position for maximum oversight
Observation Focus
Watch for correct lead leg technique, spatial awareness, and positive social interactions
Intervention Points
Step in for unsafe movement, poor sportsmanship, or children struggling with basic technique
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate at child level, use exaggerated movements for clarity, involve children in demonstrations when possible
Verbal Cues
- •'Lead leg first!'
- •'Spring between steps!'
- •'Look where you're going!'
- •'Soft landings!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 15m indoor space or equivalent outdoor area, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Non-slip surface essential, check for wet areas or debris before starting
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Soft foam balls only for Boulders game
- •Bean bags checked for secure stitching
- •Cones positioned to avoid trip hazards
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during galloping activities
- •Falls due to loss of balance
- •Bean bag trip hazards when dropped
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and maintained
- •Adequate spacing enforced throughout
- •Stop signals practiced and reinforced
- •Gentle throwing only in ball games
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility during free movement
- •Monitor partner activities closely
- •Watch for over-excitement in competitive games
Emergency Procedures
Immediate stop signal, clear evacuation routes maintained, first aid kit accessible