🎓

Lesson 4 - Jumping and Leaping Skills

Discovering Balance Through Playful Movement

•

Nursery

•

Fundamental Movement Skills

•

45 min

Big Question

How can I use my whole body to jump and leap safely while keeping my balance?

Learning Objectives

To develop jumping and leaping skills with control and balance
To understand the difference between jumping and leaping movements
To demonstrate balance after landing from jumps and leaps

Key Outcomes

Children will jump using different take-off and landing combinations
Children will leap from one foot to the opposite foot with control
Children will demonstrate balance on one leg for 3+ seconds

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Create pond boundaries and traffic signals

Alternative: Blue markers, blue tape on floor

Hoops

Scattered between blue cones as lily pads

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Mats

10-12

Mixed with hoops to create varied pathways

Alternative: Paper plates, masking tape X marks

Balls

1 per child

Scattered around space for balance activities

Alternative: Soft toys, foam blocks

Equipment Trolley

Positioned for easy access during free play

Alternative: Basket or box with varied equipment

Key Vocabulary

Jump

Taking off with one or two feet and landing on one or two feet

Leap

Taking off from one foot and landing on the opposite foot

Balance

Staying steady and controlled on one or both feet

Take-off

The moment when feet leave the ground

Landing

When feet touch the ground after jumping or leaping

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic balance on two feet
Walking and running with control
Following simple movement instructions

Current Skills

Jumping with different take-off and landing combinations
Leaping from one foot to opposite foot
Static balance on one leg

Next Steps

Jumping over obstacles
Dynamic balance during movement
Combining jumps with directional changes

Milestone Indicators

Consistent two-foot take-off and landing

Clear distinction between jumping and leaping

Balance held for 3+ seconds without support

Key Teaching Points

Demonstrate clear difference between jumping (various foot combinations) and leaping (one foot to opposite foot)
Emphasise safe landing technique with bent knees and soft contact
Use arms for balance and momentum in all jumping movements
Push off from balls of feet rather than flat-footed take-offs
Practice balance after landing to develop control and stability
Progress from simple to complex movements building confidence
Connect movements to real-world contexts (frogs, cars) for engagement

Common Misconceptions

Children thinking all jumping is the same - correct by showing different foot patterns clearly
Believing leaping is just a big jump - emphasise the one-foot-to-opposite-foot pattern
Landing heavily is acceptable - teach soft landings prevent injury and improve control
Arms don't matter in jumping - demonstrate how arms help with balance and height
Balance is just standing still - show that balance is active control of body position

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, frequent position changes, clear stop/start signals, movement breaks built into lesson

dyspraxia

Slower demonstrations, broken down movement patterns, visual markers for positioning, extra practice time

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet retreat space available, consistent language and signals

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, tactile guides for spatial boundaries, audio cues for directions

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written/picture cards for game rules, vibrant visual cues

physical disability

Seated jumping variations, modified hopping (stepping), use of mobility aids as appropriate, focus on achievable movements

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following multi-step instructions, using descriptive language for movements, letter recognition in games

Maths

Counting jumps and leaps, measuring distances jumped, understanding patterns in hopscotch sequences

Science

Forces in jumping (push/pull), gravity affecting landing, body parts working together for movement

Geography

Directional language (forward, backward, left, right), spatial awareness and positioning

PSHE

Building confidence, resilience when learning new skills, cooperation and teamwork in games

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position where all children visible, move between groups during activities for individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for: proper take-off technique, controlled landings, balance after movements, spatial awareness

Intervention Points

Step in if: technique becoming unsafe, children too tired, game rules being ignored, equipment used unsafely

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate slowly first, then at normal speed. Exaggerate key technique points. Use children as positive examples when possible.

Verbal Cues

•'Push off with strong feet!'
•'Soft landings like a cat!'
•'Arms help you balance!'
•'Different feet for leaping!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 8m x 10m clear space, dry non-slip surface preferred

Surface Check

Check for wet patches, obstacles, or tripping hazards before starting

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Ensure hoops lie flat and are not cracked
•Check bean bags are sewn securely
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or damage
•Position equipment to avoid collision points

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during jumping and landing
•Collisions between children during games
•Fatigue leading to poor technique
•Slipping on equipment

Risk Mitigation

•Teach proper landing technique with bent knees
•Ensure adequate spacing between children
•Monitor for signs of tiredness and provide rest
•Clear pathways and remove slip hazards
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all jumping activities
•Move between groups during free play
•Watch for technique breakdown indicating fatigue
•Monitor game rules to prevent rough play

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess, provide appropriate first aid, contact school first aider if needed