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Lesson 4 - Dodging and Awareness

Balance & Dynamic Control

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Reception

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Fundamental Movement Skills

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45 min

Big Question

How can we change direction quickly to avoid obstacles whilst staying aware of others around us?

Learning Objectives

To develop dodging skills using correct footwork technique
To move with control and awareness of others in shared space
To experiment with different ways of moving and changing direction

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate dodging to the right off their left foot
Students will travel around space with heads up and awareness of others
Students will show improved spatial awareness and reaction skills

Equipment & Resources Required

Mats

4 large spots for compass points

Place at North, East, South, West positions in centre

Alternative: Cones, hoops, or tape marks on floor

Cones

16 cones (4 sets of 4 in different colours)

Red, Yellow, White, Blue cones for each small group

Alternative: Bean bags, coloured spots, or markers

Tag Belts

1 per child (30)

Check all belts are in good condition before use

Alternative: Coloured bands, scarves, or ribbons

Key Vocabulary

Dodge

To move quickly to avoid something or someone

Awareness

Knowing what is happening around you

Left foot

The foot on the left side of your body

Right direction

Moving towards your right side

Control

Being able to start, stop and change your movements

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic walking and running movements
Understanding of left and right
Simple direction following
Basic spatial awareness

Current Skills

Dodging technique with correct footwork
Moving with head up for awareness
Quick direction changes
Responding to multiple stimuli

Next Steps

Dodging in multiple directions
Advanced evasion games
Combining dodging with other skills
Complex movement sequences

Milestone Indicators

Consistent right dodge off left foot

Head up during all movements

No collisions during activities

Quick responses to instructions

Key Teaching Points

Plant left foot firmly before dodging right
Keep head up for awareness during all movements
Show pretend movement before actual dodge
Use controlled movements before attempting speed
Emphasise safety and spatial awareness throughout
Encourage honest self-assessment and effort recognition
Connect dodging skills to game situations clearly

Common Misconceptions

Children thinking dodging means just running away - clarify it's a specific footwork technique
Using wrong foot sequence - reinforce left foot plant for right dodge
Looking down during movement - constantly remind about head up for safety
Moving too fast before mastering technique - emphasise control over speed
Not understanding spatial awareness - demonstrate how to check surroundings

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity segments, provide clear boundaries, give specific roles and responsibilities

dyspraxia

Break down dodging into smaller steps, use larger equipment, provide extra practice time

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, give advance warning of game changes, offer quiet space if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals, demonstrate all instructions, position child where they can see teacher clearly

physical disability

Modify dodging to appropriate movements (seated dodging, arm movements), adjust game rules as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Compass directions (North, East, South, West), counting cone sequences, timing activities

Science

Forces and motion during dodging, balance and stability, reaction times

Geography

Directional awareness, spatial positioning, mapping movement around space

PSHE

Taking turns fairly, encouraging others, dealing with success and disappointment

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around space to see all groups, position at corners for maximum visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for correct foot sequence in dodging, head up movement, and safe game play

Intervention Points

Step in if technique breaking down, unsafe movement, or students struggling with concepts

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate from multiple angles so all students can see, exaggerate key movements for clarity

Verbal Cues

•'Left foot plant, right step!'
•'Heads up hunters!'
•'Show me your best dodge!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or playground space minimum 15m x 20m for games

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface clear of obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tag belts for secure fastenings and no sharp edges
•Ensure cones are stable and not cracked
•Verify floor spots are securely placed

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during dodging practice
•Falls during direction changes
•Contact during tag games
•Equipment hazards if not properly placed

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and personal space established
•One person moving at a time during practice
•Controlled group sizes in running games
•Regular equipment checks throughout lesson

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during compass activity
•Move around groups during cone collection
•Monitor all participants during tag games

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess any incidents, provide appropriate first aid or support