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Lesson 4 - Travelling Around, Under, Over and Through

Exploring Movement Patterns Through Playful Travel and Balance

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Nursery

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Gymnastics

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30 min

Big Question

How can we use our bodies to move safely through different spaces like animals in the jungle?

Learning Objectives

To travel with confidence and skill around, under, over and through apparatus
To travel, stop and balance with control in curled or stretched shapes
To link 2 movements together with control

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate confident travelling movements in multiple directions
Students will show control when stopping and balancing in different body shapes
Students will safely navigate apparatus using appropriate travelling skills

Equipment & Resources Required

Beanbags

3 (red, yellow, green)

Keep hidden behind back, reveal when needed

Alternative: Coloured scarves or large cards

Gymnastics Mats

6-8 mats

Spaced around activity area for rolling

Alternative: Carpet tiles or yoga mats

Gymnastics Benches

3-4 benches

Various heights, some for crawling under/over

Alternative: Low balance beams or chalk lines

Hoops

7 hoops

Placed at various stations for jumping

Alternative: Chalk circles on floor

Rope

2-3 long ropes

Laid straight for tightrope walking

Alternative: Tape lines on floor

Low Nests

4-6 pieces

Various heights for jumping from

Alternative: Cushions or low platforms

SAQ Ladders

2 ladders

Flat on ground for stepping patterns

Alternative: Chalk ladder on floor

Wedge Mats

2-3 wedges

For rolling down safely

Alternative: Folded mats to create incline

Cards

1 set

Show equipment setup positions

Alternative: Simple drawings on paper

Key Vocabulary

Travelling

Moving from one place to another using different body actions

Curled shape

Making your body small and round like a ball

Stretched shape

Making your body long and tall by reaching up or out

Balance

Staying still and steady without wobbling or falling

Apparatus

Equipment used in gymnastics like benches, mats and hoops

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic spatial awareness and movement patterns
Understanding of stop and go commands
Simple balancing on two feet

Current Skills

Travelling in different directions with control
Using curled and stretched body shapes
Navigating around, under, over and through obstacles

Next Steps

Combining travelling with rolling movements
Using apparatus with greater confidence
Creating simple movement sequences

Milestone Indicators

Moves with spatial awareness without collisions

Can hold stretched and curled positions for 3+ seconds

Demonstrates clear start and stop control

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise safety awareness around apparatus at all times
Encourage exploration and creativity within safe boundaries
Focus on process and effort rather than perfect performance
Use jungle adventure theme to maintain engagement
Connect movements to real-life situations children understand
Provide clear demonstrations before each new activity
Allow time for practice and repetition to build confidence

Common Misconceptions

Children thinking faster movement is always better - emphasise control
Believing they must copy exactly what others do - encourage individual interpretation
Thinking apparatus is scary - build confidence gradually
Assuming curled means loose - teach tight, controlled positions
Believing stretched just means tall - show different directions for stretching

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts, clear boundaries marked, frequent positive feedback and movement breaks

dyspraxia

Larger apparatus for easier navigation, extra practice time, simplified movement patterns

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet area available if needed, consistent routine structure

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of apparatus layout, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all movements, hand signals for stop/go, written instruction cards

physical disability

Adapted apparatus heights, alternative movements for wheelchair users, seated versions of activities

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions and adventure story vocabulary. Describing movements and positions

Maths

Positional language - around, under, over, through. Counting equipment pieces and movements

Science

How our bodies move and balance. Understanding forces when jumping and landing

Geography

Directional vocabulary and pathways. Mapping routes around apparatus

PSHE

Working together to set up equipment. Taking turns and sharing apparatus safely

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around room to observe all children, position at apparatus during rotations

Observation Focus

Watch for safe apparatus approach, quality of travelling movements, confidence development

Intervention Points

Step in if children approach apparatus unsafely, provide support for nervous children

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements. Show both correct technique and common errors to correct

Verbal Cues

•'Strong bodies!'
•'Eyes looking forward!'
•'Land like a cat - quietly!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 8m x 10m clear space, soft surface preferred

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All apparatus checked for stability before use
•Mats positioned under all jumping areas
•Benches at appropriate height for age group
•No sharp edges or protruding parts

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls from apparatus
•Collisions between children
•Inadequate landing technique
•Equipment instability

Risk Mitigation

•Clear movement instructions given
•Controlled numbers at each station
•Progressive skill development
•Continuous supervision and spacing

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all apparatus
•Move around to monitor technique
•Intervene if unsafe practices observed

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or comfort