Lesson 4 - Jumping and Landing Control
Animal Movement Exploration
•Nursery
•Fundamental Movement Skills
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we jump like different animals and land safely every time?
Learning Objectives
- Develop controlled jumping movements using different take-off and landing patterns
- Demonstrate safe landing techniques with bent knees and balanced body position
- Show confidence when moving through space and negotiating obstacles
Key Outcomes
- Children will perform jumps from two feet to two feet with control
- Children will demonstrate soft, safe landings with bent knees
- Children will move confidently through obstacle courses using jumping skills
Equipment & Resources Required
Blue cones for pond edges, other colours for bugs/molehills
Alternative: Markers, bean bags
Various sizes scattered for lily pads and molehills
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Flat on ground for jumping patterns
Alternative: Chalk ladder patterns, rope ladders
Height adjustable 10-20cm high
Alternative: Pool noodles, skipping ropes on cones
For single-foot landings and molehills
Alternative: Small mats, chalk dots
For safe landing practice areas
Alternative: Towels, carpet squares
Represent bugs to collect in pond game
Alternative: Soft toys, small balls
Key Vocabulary
Pushing off the ground with both feet and landing back down
Landing quietly with bent knees like a cushion
Taking off with both feet and landing on both feet
Staying still and steady like a statue
Stop moving completely and hold very still
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Can walk and run with basic control
- Shows awareness of personal space
- Can follow simple movement instructions
Current Skills
- Two-foot to two-foot jumping
- Safe landing with bent knees
- Jumping over low obstacles
- Moving confidently through space
Next Steps
- One-foot to two-foot jumping patterns
- Jumping for distance and height
- Hopping on one foot
- Combining jumping with other locomotor skills
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always emphasise soft landing with bent knees for safety and technique development
- Use counting rhythm (1-2-jump) to help children coordinate take-off timing
- Demonstrate the difference between noisy and quiet landings regularly
- Build from two-foot to two-foot jumping before progressing to more complex patterns
- Maintain spatial awareness during all activities to prevent collisions
- Use positive language and celebrate effort over perfect technique
- Encourage experimentation within safe parameters to build confidence
Common Misconceptions
- Children think jumping higher is always better - emphasise control over height
- Belief that landing hard shows more effort - teach that soft landings show skill
- Assumption that fast movements are more skilful - demonstrate controlled technique
- Thinking that some children 'can't jump' - show that everyone can improve with practice
- Misconception that games are just for fun - explain learning happens through play
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent movement breaks, use clear start/stop signals
dyspraxia
- Simplify movement patterns, provide extra practice time, use larger equipment for easier targeting
autism spectrum
- Provide visual schedule of activities, offer quiet space for breaks, use consistent routine and clear boundaries
visual impairment
- Use verbal descriptions of equipment layout, provide tactile exploration of equipment before use, pair with sighted buddy
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written or pictorial instruction cards
physical disability
- Modify jumping to stepping or supported movements, use stable chairs for elevated positions, adjust equipment heights
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting jumps, measuring jumping distances, recognising patterns in movement sequences
Science
Understanding forces when pushing off ground, exploring gravity during landing, discussing animal movements and habitats
Geography
Spatial awareness and direction, understanding animal habitats (pond creatures vs land animals)
PSHE
Building confidence through achievement, teamwork and cooperation, perseverance when learning new skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter during activities for maximum visibility, position centrally for demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for landing technique, spatial awareness, confidence levels, and following instructions
Intervention Points
Step in when technique becomes unsafe, when children attempt skills too advanced, or when frustration levels rise
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate technique slowly first, then at normal speed, use children as positive examples when appropriate
Verbal Cues
- •'Soft knees!' for landing reminders
- •'Two feet together!' for take-off preparation
- •'Look where you're going!' for spatial awareness
- •'Ninja landing!' for quiet, controlled landings
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m clear space, indoor hall preferred
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from obstacles, adequate ceiling height for jumping
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •All hoops flat and stable on ground
- •Jumping bars securely positioned at appropriate heights
- •Cones placed away from landing areas
- •Regular equipment checks during activities
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls from poor landing technique
- •Collisions during group activities
- •Equipment displacement during vigourous activity
- •Overexertion in competitive games
Risk Mitigation
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
- •Constant emphasis on landing technique
- •Clear boundaries and spacing protocols
- •Equipment height appropriate for age group
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all children during activities
- •Move around during station work for individual support
- •Monitor energy levels and technique deterioration
- •Watch for children attempting skills beyond their ability
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess need for first aid, contact appropriate support, do not move injured child