Lesson 2 - Space Awareness and Team Running
Animal Movement Exploration
•Nursery
•Fundamental Movement Skills
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we move safely around others while working as a team?
Learning Objectives
- To develop spatial awareness when moving in shared spaces
- To understand teamwork and taking turns
- To demonstrate safe movement and stopping techniques
Key Outcomes
- Children will move confidently around obstacles and other children
- Children will work cooperatively in team activities
- Children will show understanding of safety when moving
Equipment & Resources Required
Place in corners and collect piles as described
Alternative: Coloured bean bags, blocks, or markers
Position one in each corner of the space
Alternative: Coloured mats or marked zones
Scatter randomly for obstacle course
Alternative: Paper plates, small mats, or chalked circles
For adult-led throwing activity
Alternative: Soft foam balls or bean bags
Key Vocabulary
Knowing where you are and where others are around you
To find a way around or through something safely
Working together to achieve a goal
Something that could be dangerous if we're not careful
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic walking and running movements
- Understanding of personal space
- Following simple instructions
Current Skills
- Spatial awareness while moving
- Team cooperation and turn-taking
- Safe movement around obstacles
Next Steps
- Complex obstacle navigation
- Competitive team games
- Leadership roles in movement activities
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Spatial awareness is developed through practice and patience, not rushing
- Model and emphasise the 'walking/jogging on the spot' technique for safe navigation
- Encourage teamwork through specific positive language and examples
- Safety always comes before speed in all movement activities
- Use specific, descriptive feedback to help children understand good technique
- Connect movement skills to thinking skills throughout the lesson
- Celebrate effort and improvement as much as achievement and winning
Common Misconceptions
- That faster movement is always better - emphasise control and safety over speed
- That bumping into others is acceptable during games - reinforce spatial awareness importance
- That winning is more important than teamwork - consistently value cooperation and encouragement
- That some children are 'naturally bad' at movement - emphasise that everyone can improve with practice
- That team activities require competitive behaviour - model and encourage supportive team dynamics
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear movement boundaries, regular position changes, additional movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, visual guides for movement, reduced complexity in obstacle courses
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet area available, consistent routines, advance warning of activity changes
visual impairment
- Use high contrast coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of layout, buddy system for navigation, tactile markers for boundaries
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for stop/go, written instruction cards, ensure child can see teacher's face
physical disability
- Adapted movement patterns, wheelchair accessible routes, modified equipment heights, alternative participation roles
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting cone collections, understanding concepts of 'more' and 'less', spatial language (over, under, around, through)
Science
Understanding how our bodies move, forces needed to start and stop, balance and coordination concepts
Geography
Directional language (forwards, backwards, left, right), spatial awareness and mapping concepts
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation skills, encouraging others, managing emotions during competitive activities, patience and turn-taking
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Position at side of activity area for maximum visibility of all children, rotate position to see different angles
Observation Focus
Watch for spatial awareness development, safe movement technique, positive team interactions, and individual confidence levels
Intervention Points
Step in if children moving unsafely, provide additional support for children struggling with spatial concepts, mediate any team conflicts
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate all movements clearly and exaggerated for visibility. Use positive body language and facial expressions. Show safe techniques multiple times as needed.
Verbal Cues
- •'Eyes up, watch where you're going!'
- •'Find a safe space!'
- •'Encourage your teammates!'
- •'Think before you move!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall or playground space minimum 15m x 20m, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, dry and even, free from hazards and debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Soft sponge balls only for throwing activities
- •Cones and hoops securely positioned and visible
- •Floor spots placed to avoid slipping hazards
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during crossing activities
- •Slips when running or changing direction
- •Excitement leading to unsafe movement speeds
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and movement rules established
- •Progressive introduction of speed and complexity
- •Constant adult supervision and positioning for visibility
- •Practice of 'on the spot' technique before crossing activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility during crossing activities
- •Monitor high-activity areas during cone collection games
- •Intervene immediately if unsafe behaviours observed
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or comfort, notify other staff if needed