Lesson 4 - Dodging and Awareness
Balance & Dynamic Control
•Reception
•Fundamental Movement Skills
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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
Place at North, East, South, West positions in centre
Alternative: Cones, hoops, or tape marks on floor
Red, Yellow, White, Blue cones for each small group
Alternative: Bean bags, coloured spots, or markers
Check all belts are in good condition before use
Alternative: Coloured bands, scarves, or ribbons
Key Vocabulary
To move quickly to avoid something or someone
Knowing what is happening around you
The foot on the left side of your body
Moving towards your right side
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
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