Lesson 1 - Explore Jumping
Foundation Jumping and Locomotion Through Playful Exploration
•Reception
•Fundamental Movement Skills
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we jump safely in different ways and explore all the spaces around us?
Learning Objectives
- To explore jumping in a variety of ways, directions, speeds and levels
- To develop spatial awareness when moving around others
- To understand and apply basic jumping technique for safe landing
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate different ways of jumping with increasing control
- Students will move safely around the space avoiding collisions with others
- Students will respond to instructions and show awareness of space and safety
Equipment & Resources Required
Teacher holds up different coloured cones as traffic light signals
Alternative: Coloured bean bags, scarves, or laminated cards
Scattered around space to show safe landing zones
Alternative: Chalk marks, tape, hoops
For background music during free exploration time
Alternative: Voice commands, tambourine
Key Vocabulary
Taking off from one or both feet and landing on both feet
The way we come down safely after jumping
The area around us where we can move safely
The way we move - forwards, backwards, sideways
Staying steady and controlled when we land
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic walking and running movements
- Understanding of personal space
- Following simple instructions
Current Skills
- Safe jumping and landing technique
- Jumping in different directions and levels
- Spatial awareness when moving with others
Next Steps
- Jumping for distance and height
- Combining jumping with other movements
- Jumping with equipment and obstacles
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always emphasise bent-knee landings for safety and control
- Maintain spatial awareness throughout - 'look for empty spaces'
- Use 'freeze' signal regularly to maintain control and focus
- Progress from simple to complex movements gradually
- Encourage creativity while maintaining safety as priority
- Connect jumping skills to real-life scenarios for relevance
- Praise effort and improvement rather than just ability
Common Misconceptions
- That jumping higher is always better - emphasise control over height
- That landing hard shows strength - teach soft, quiet landings
- That you don't need to look where you're going - emphasise spatial awareness
- That games don't need rules - explain why rules keep everyone safe and happy
- That some students 'can't jump' - show that everyone can jump in their own way
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Build in regular movement breaks, use shorter activity segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations
dyspraxia
- Break down movements into smaller steps, provide extra practice time, use wall or support for balance if needed
autism spectrum
- Provide visual schedule of lesson structure, offer quiet space if overwhelmed, use consistent routine and clear instructions
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured cones, provide verbal descriptions of movements, pair with sighted buddy for spatial guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual signals, demonstrate all movements, use written or picture cards for game rules
physical disability
- Adapt jumping to stepping or upper body movements, use seated versions, modify game rules for wheelchair users
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting jumps, recognising different colours, understanding directions and positional language (forwards, backwards, sideways)
Science
Understanding how our muscles work when jumping, exploring forces and movement, observing cause and effect
Communication & Language
Following instructions, expressing ideas about jumping scenarios, using descriptive vocabulary
PSHE
Working together safely, following rules, showing consideration for others, building confidence and self-esteem
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the space during exploration activities, return to central position for demonstrations and game instructions
Observation Focus
Watch for safe landing technique, spatial awareness, and students following instructions appropriately
Intervention Points
Step in if students are too close together, redirect unsafe jumping, support students who lack confidence
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate jumping technique with exaggerated bent knees and arm movements for clear visibility to all students
Verbal Cues
- •'Bend those knees for soft landing!'
- •'Look for the empty spaces!'
- •'Two feet down together!'
- •'Freeze like a statue!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 10m clear space, suitable for 30 students with arm's length apart
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, clear of obstacles, appropriate for jumping activities
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Coloured cones checked for no sharp edges or cracks
- •Floor markers secure and not creating trip hazards
- •Music equipment positioned safely away from activity area
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during free movement
- •Falls or poor landing technique
- •Over-excitement leading to loss of control
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and maintained throughout
- •Emphasis on spatial awareness and looking where moving
- •Progressive skill building from static to moving activities
- •Regular freeze signals to maintain control
- •Constant reinforcement of bent-knee landing technique
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all students during movement activities
- •Move around space during free exploration
- •Watch for students who need additional support or challenge
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately with freeze signal, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students remain calm and seated