🎓

Lesson 3 - Reaching & Stretching Skills

Body Awareness & Creative Move

•

Reception

•

Fundamental Movement Skills

•

45 min

Big Question

How can we use our whole body to reach places and move things safely?

Learning Objectives

To develop reaching and stretching skills while maintaining balance
To understand how to move equipment safely using different body parts
To work cooperatively with others in relay activities

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate controlled reaching and stretching movements
Students will successfully move equipment using various body positions
Students will participate positively in group relay activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

15-20

Distributed around activity area

Alternative: Beanbags, soft toys, blocks

Gym Mats

15 (1 per pair)

Spread out with space between each mat

Alternative: Carpet squares, marked spaces on floor

Balls

In container near activity area

Alternative: Small soft toys, fabric squares

Tennis Balls

In basket ready for relay activities

Alternative: Soft play balls, bean bags

Dish Cones

Ready for turning over activity

Alternative: Small markers, flat discs

Hoops

8-10

Laid flat on floor for relay stations

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Large Balls

One per hoop for rolling activity

Alternative: Medium playground balls, soft play balls

Benches

2-3

Set at safe height for placing objects

Alternative: Low platform, sturdy boxes

Key Vocabulary

Stretch

Making your body or limbs as long as possible

Reach

Extending your arm or leg towards something

Balance

Staying steady and not falling over

Weight

How heavy something feels or pressing down with your body

Support

Using something to help hold you up

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic awareness of body parts
Simple stretching movements
Understanding of following instructions

Current Skills

Controlled reaching and stretching
Weight transfer and balance
Object manipulation and placement

Next Steps

More complex balance challenges
Throwing and catching skills
Coordinated movement patterns

Milestone Indicators

Can maintain balance while reaching in different directions

Shows good control when moving equipment

Demonstrates understanding of left and right

Key Teaching Points

Always emphasise control over distance when reaching and stretching
Encourage use of both left and right hands equally throughout activities
Focus on maintaining balance and stability during all reaching movements
Promote cooperation and turn-taking rather than competition in early activities
Connect learning back to real-life situations where reaching and stretching are useful

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking distance is more important than control - correct by praising technique
Belief that one hand is 'better' than the other - encourage equal practice with both
Assuming relay activities are about speed - emphasise skill and cooperation
Thinking they need to reach beyond their comfort zone - teach safe limits
Believing competition means being unkind to others - model positive sportsmanship

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular position changes, positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Larger equipment, simplified movements, extra practice time, break down into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule, quiet rest area available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, clear verbal instructions, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written activity cards

physical disability

Seated versions of reaching activities, modified equipment height, reduced distance expectations

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances in footsteps, comparing left/right hand reaches, counting objects in relays

Science

Understanding balance and gravity, exploring how body parts work together

Geography

Positional language (left, right, far, near), spatial awareness and direction

PSHE

Cooperation and turn-taking, encouraging others, managing competitive feelings

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the space to observe all students, position centrally for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for balance control, safe reaching technique, and positive cooperation

Intervention Points

Step in if students overreach unsafely, if competition becomes negative, or if technique deteriorates

Demonstration Notes

Exaggerate safe technique, show common mistakes to avoid, model positive encouragement

Verbal Cues

•'Stay in control!'
•'Gentle placement!'
•'Both hands get a turn!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor area minimum 15m x 20m

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check mats are secure and flat
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges
•Verify benches are stable and appropriate height

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls when reaching too far
•Collisions between pairs/groups
•Strain from overreaching

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise controlled movements over distance
•Ensure adequate spacing between groups
•Teach safe falling and recovery
•Monitor for fatigue and overexertion

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups simultaneously
•Move around to check technique up close
•Watch for competitive pressure affecting safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, contact school first aider if needed