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Lesson 2 - Body Control and Coordination

Body Awareness & Movement Control

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Reception

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Fundamental Movement Skills

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30 min

Big Question

How can we control different parts of our body at the same time?

Learning Objectives

Follow simple instructions to coordinate limbs effectively
Show control to hold body shapes for short periods
Demonstrate awareness of body parts and their positioning

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully coordinate opposite limbs in dead bugs activity
Students will hold body shapes for 3 seconds with improved stability
Students will create and transition between contrasting body shapes

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

20-25 cones

Create 4-5 lanes with 0.5-1m gaps between cones

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, or chalk lines

Mats

15 mats (1 per pair)

Spread around activity area for partner work

Alternative: Carpet tiles, marked floor spaces

Music Player

For warm-up movement and timing activities

Alternative: Tablet, phone with speaker

Key Vocabulary

Coordination

Moving different parts of your body at the same time in a controlled way

Core strength

The muscles in your tummy and back that help you stay strong and balanced

Dead bugs

An exercise where you lie on your back and move arms and legs like a bug

Body shape

The different positions you can make with your whole body

Flexed toes

Pulling your toes up towards your body, not pointing them down

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of body parts
Simple movement patterns from previous lessons
Basic balance and stability skills

Current Skills

Limb coordination and control
Static balance in various shapes
Core strength development
Following multi-step instructions

Next Steps

Dynamic balance activities
Complex movement sequences
Partner coordination activities

Milestone Indicators

Can isolate single limb movements

Maintains shapes for target duration

Shows improved core stability

Key Teaching Points

Always demonstrate left/right clearly before asking children to identify
Emphasise flexed toes during dead bugs for hamstring stretch
Ensure adequate spacing for safety during all activities
Use positive reinforcement for effort rather than perfect execution
Connect activities to core strength and body control concepts
Progress from simple to complex shapes systematically
Maintain inclusive environment where all children can succeed

Common Misconceptions

Children often confuse left and right - use consistent visual cues
May think pointing toes is better than flexing - explain stretching benefits
Believe longer holding times are always better - emphasise quality over duration
Think all shapes must look identical - celebrate individual variations
May rush between activities - teach controlled transitions

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear boundaries for train tracks, frequent movement changes, specific roles during activities

dyspraxia

Slower demonstrations, extra practice time, simpler shape progressions, adult support for coordination

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use tactile cues for body positioning, verbal descriptions of all shapes, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations for all instructions, hand signals for shape changes, written instruction cards

physical disability

Adapted shapes using available body parts, seated versions of activities, modified equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting during shape holds, understanding left/right positioning, timing sequences

Science

Body parts identification, muscle groups, flexibility and strength concepts

PSHE

Following instructions, cooperation with partners, persistence with challenges, building confidence

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position to observe all children during train tracks, move around during partner work to provide individual support

Observation Focus

Watch for coordination development, left/right understanding, shape quality, and peer cooperation

Intervention Points

Step in when children struggle with left/right identification, provide support for challenging balance positions

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate movements clearly and slowly, emphasise safety in transitions, use children as positive examples

Verbal Cues

•'Strong core muscles!'
•'Pull those toes back!'
•'Hold that shape steady!'
•'Listen for Simon Says!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 8m x 8m clear space, plus additional area for train tracks activity

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface suitable for floor work and movement

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Ensure mats are flat and secure
•Check cones have no sharp edges or damage
•Verify adequate spacing between equipment

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during train tracks activity
•Falls during balance challenges
•Strain from holding challenging positions too long

Risk Mitigation

•Clear lane boundaries and spacing rules
•Progressive difficulty in shape challenges
•Appropriate holding times for age group
•Constant supervision during floor work

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to oversee all train track lanes
•Monitor partner interactions during mat work
•Watch for fatigue during shape holding

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if needed