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Lesson 5 - Sliding and Dodging Skills

Animal Movement & Spatial Skills

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Reception

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Fundamental Movement Skills

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49 min

Big Question

How can we move sideways safely while keeping our balance?

Learning Objectives

To develop sliding technique with correct footwork and body position
To practice dodging skills through changing direction quickly
To negotiate space successfully whilst moving sideways

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to slide sideways leading with either leg
Students will demonstrate dodging skills by changing direction smoothly
Students will show spatial awareness when moving around others

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

20-30 cones

Various configurations for pathways and boundaries

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, or spots

Music Player

Portable speaker for musical sliding activity

Alternative: Whistle, drum, or voice commands

Team Tokens

30 stickers

Ready for distribution at lesson end

Alternative: Praise certificates, stamps, or verbal praise

Key Vocabulary

Sliding

Moving sideways by leading with one leg and bringing the other to join it

Leading leg

The leg that steps out first when sliding sideways

Dodging

Quickly changing direction to avoid objects or people

Negotiate space

Moving successfully through areas with obstacles or other people

Balance

Keeping steady and controlled while moving

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic walking and running skills
Simple directional changes
Following simple movement instructions

Current Skills

Sliding technique with correct footwork
Dodging through quick direction changes
Spatial awareness during movement

Next Steps

Combining sliding with other locomotion skills
Advanced dodging in game situations
Leading sliding activities with confidence

Milestone Indicators

Maintains balance throughout sliding movement

Changes lead leg smoothly during sliding

Demonstrates clear understanding of spatial boundaries

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise step-together sliding pattern rather than crossover steps
Maintain balance through controlled movement and arm positioning
Change lead leg/shoulder to develop bilateral coordination
Use sliding technique even under game pressure
Develop spatial awareness through pathway activities
Encourage creative movement within safe boundaries
Build confidence through progressive skill development

Common Misconceptions

Thinking sliding means jumping sideways - correct by showing feet staying on ground
Believing faster is better - emphasise control over speed
Confusing with ice skating movements - focus on step-together pattern
Only using dominant side - encourage both left and right leading
Thinking arms aren't important - show how arms help balance

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, frequent movement breaks, clear boundaries, immediate positive feedback for focus

dyspraxia

Slower movement pace, additional practice time, wall support for balance, simplified patterns initially

autism spectrum

Clear routine and structure, visual timetable of activities, quiet space available, consistent verbal cues and signals

visual impairment

Use bright coloured cones, clear verbal descriptions of movements, buddy system for guidance, textured markers for boundaries

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with hand signals, written instruction cards, vibrating signals for music stops, clear sightlines to teacher

physical disability

Seated sliding on gym mats, upper body sliding movements, adapted distances, wheelchair-friendly pathways

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, descriptive vocabulary for movement, communication in partner work

Science

Understanding balance and gravity, exploring friction between feet and floor, forces in movement

Geography

Directional awareness and spatial vocabulary, mapping pathways and routes

Mathematics

Counting steps in sliding pattern, directional language (left/right), shape recognition in figure of 8

Music

Moving to rhythm and beat, starting and stopping with musical cues

PSHE

Turn-taking and cooperation, building confidence, celebrating achievement and effort

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of activity area to observe all children, central position for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct step-together sliding pattern, balance maintenance, safe spatial awareness

Intervention Points

Step in when children struggle with balance, use unsafe movement, or need technique correction

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate facing children, exaggerate movements for visibility, show both correct and incorrect technique

Verbal Cues

•'Step-together, step-together!'
•'Arms out for balance!'
•'Lead with your shoulder!'
•'Smooth and controlled!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor playground area, minimum 15m x 15m clear space

Surface Check

Non-slip surface essential, check for wet patches or debris before lesson

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Cones placed away from walls and boundaries
•No sharp edges on any equipment
•Music volume allows for instruction hearing

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Slips and falls during sliding movement
•Collisions between children during games
•Over-stretching or loss of balance

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise controlled sliding not rushing
•Clear space boundaries and pathways established
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Constant supervision during all activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
•Stay mobile to monitor technique and safety
•Intervene immediately for unsafe movement

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess any injury, apply first aid if qualified, seek additional help if needed