Lesson 1 - Finding Spaces and Moving Safely
Animal Movement & Spatial Skills
•Reception
•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 move safely around others while exploring different ways of travelling?
Learning Objectives
- To find and use appropriate spaces when moving
- To walk forwards and backwards with control and awareness
- To follow instructions and stop safely when required
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate spatial awareness by finding appropriate spaces
- Students will show control when walking forwards and backwards
- Students will respond promptly to stop signals and follow safety instructions
Equipment & Resources Required
Keep handy for teacher to hold up as signals
Alternative: Traffic light cards, coloured scarves
Spaced around hall perimeter for team bases
Alternative: Marked areas with tape, cones in circles
Volume set for easy start/stop control
Alternative: Teacher singing, tambourine, whistle
Key Vocabulary
An area where you can move without touching others or equipment
Moving your body exactly how you want to
The way you are facing or moving
Moving around obstacles or people safely
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic awareness of personal space
- Ability to follow simple instructions
- Understanding of stop and go commands
Current Skills
- Finding appropriate spaces independently
- Walking with head up and good posture
- Moving backwards safely with awareness
- Responding to visual and audio signals
Next Steps
- More complex direction changes
- Running with spatial awareness
- Following multi-step movement sequences
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Perfect spaces are away from others, walls, and equipment
- Backward movement requires constant shoulder checking for safety
- Good walking technique uses heel-toe pattern with opposite arm coordination
- Visual signals require eyes up and attention to teacher position
- Speed should never compromise safety or control
- Teamwork in games means supporting and encouraging all members
- Self-assessment helps children understand their own learning progress
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking any empty area is a 'good space' - clarify criteria for safety
- Believing faster movement is always better - emphasise control over speed
- Assuming backward walking is just forward walking reversed - teach specific safety techniques
- Thinking competition means winning at any cost - focus on fair play and improvement
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Clear boundaries, regular change of activity, movement breaks, immediate positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Break down movements into smaller steps, extra practice time, visual and physical demonstrations
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual timetable of activities, quiet space available if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use clear verbal descriptions of spaces, buddy system for guidance, textured markers for boundaries
hearing impairment
- Exaggerated visual signals, clear demonstrations, written instruction cards if needed
physical disability
- Modify movement expectations, use appropriate mobility aids, focus on achievable spatial awareness goals
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting eggs in teams, timing challenges, spatial concepts of distance and direction
Science
Understanding how our bodies move, balance and coordination, cause and effect in movement
Geography
Directional language (forwards, backwards), spatial awareness, navigation concepts
PSHE
Following instructions, teamwork and cooperation, personal safety awareness
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter to observe all children, position centrally for demonstrations, stay mobile during game supervision
Observation Focus
Watch for spatial awareness development, backward movement safety, response to instructions
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for unsafe backward movement, support children struggling with space concept, manage game rules firmly but encouragingly
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate safety aspects clearly, use children as positive examples, show both correct and improved versions of skills
Verbal Cues
- •'Check your shoulders!'
- •'Find that perfect space!'
- •'Small steps back!'
- •'Heads up, eyes forward!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall or playground space minimum 15m x 20m with clear boundaries
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, clear of obstacles, adequate cushioning for potential falls
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Bean bags checked for secure stitching
- •Hoops inspected for cracks or sharp edges
- •Music equipment positioned safely away from movement area
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during backward movement
- •Falls from moving too quickly
- •Overcrowding in centre area during games
- •Trips over equipment
Risk Mitigation
- •Constant supervision during backward movement activities
- •Clear boundaries established and maintained
- •Progressive speed building from walking to controlled running
- •Equipment stored safely when not in use
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all backward movement
- •Monitor game area for overcrowding
- •Watch for children who may need additional support
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injured child, provide appropriate first aid, continue with modified activity if safe