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Lesson 1 - Explore Jumping

Foundation Jumping and Locomotion Through Playful Exploration

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Reception

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Fundamental Movement Skills

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30 min

Big Question

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

Coloured Cones

6-8 (different colours)

Teacher holds up different coloured cones as traffic light signals

Alternative: Coloured bean bags, scarves, or laminated cards

Sun Markers

20-30

Scattered around space to show safe landing zones

Alternative: Chalk marks, tape, hoops

Music Player

For background music during free exploration time

Alternative: Voice commands, tambourine

Key Vocabulary

Jumping

Taking off from one or both feet and landing on both feet

Landing

The way we come down safely after jumping

Space

The area around us where we can move safely

Direction

The way we move - forwards, backwards, sideways

Balance

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

Lands with bent knees consistently

Uses arms for balance and momentum

Shows awareness of others when moving

Responds quickly to instructions

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