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Lesson 2 - Effective Walking Techniques

Foundation Movement and Spatial Awareness Through Walking

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Reception

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Fundamental Movement Skills

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30 min

Big Question

How can we use our whole body to walk safely and efficiently around others?

Learning Objectives

Develop effective walking technique using head, arms and feet
Walk safely around others whilst maintaining personal space
Experiment with different walking styles and evaluate effectiveness

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved walking technique with proper posture
Students will navigate safely around others without collisions
Students will identify and explain the most effective walking methods

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

8-10

Place around space perimeter to define boundaries

Alternative: Beanbags, markers, spots

Music Player

Optional for rhythm walking activities

Alternative: Phone with speaker, radio

Key Vocabulary

Walking technique

The proper way to walk using our head, arms and feet together

Personal space

The area around your body where you can move safely without touching others

Arm swing

Moving your arms naturally back and forth as you walk

Opposite action

When your right arm goes forward, your left leg goes forward

Spatial awareness

Knowing where you are in the space and where others are too

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of personal space
Ability to follow simple movement instructions
Experience with walking in different directions

Current Skills

Coordinated walking with proper head position
Natural arm swing during locomotion
Toe-forward foot placement for efficiency

Next Steps

Walking at different speeds while maintaining technique
Walking with changes of direction
Walking whilst carrying objects

Milestone Indicators

Maintains eye level focus whilst walking

Shows opposite arm and leg coordination

Demonstrates understanding of spatial awareness

Key Teaching Points

Walking with head up and eyes forward is safest and most efficient
Natural arm swing with opposite coordination improves balance and rhythm
Straight-ahead foot placement provides most efficient forward movement
Spatial awareness prevents collisions and builds confidence
Trust and communication with partners develops social skills
Practice and repetition improves technique and natural coordination
Different walking styles help understand what works best

Common Misconceptions

Children thinking they need to look down to see where their feet are going
Belief that walking with arms held stiff is more controlled than natural swing
Thinking that pigeon-toed or duck-footed walking is normal and efficient
Assumption that faster movement is always better than controlled technique
Belief that following directly behind someone is the safest way to move
Thinking that eyes-closed activities are too scary rather than trust-building

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular movement breaks, clear boundaries, immediate positive feedback for good technique

dyspraxia

Break down technique into smaller steps, extra practice time, physical prompts for coordination

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, predictable routine structure, quiet zones available if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of walking techniques, partner guidance with voice only, tactile markers for boundaries

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for commands, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Adapt walking to wheelchair movement or walking aids, focus on upper body coordination where appropriate

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development, following verbal instructions, explaining and describing movements

Maths

Spatial awareness and directions, counting steps and movements, understanding of opposite patterns

Science

Body parts identification, movement and coordination, understanding cause and effect in movement

PSHE

Following instructions, cooperation with partners, trust-building, personal safety awareness

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at edge of activity area for full class visibility, move around to observe technique

Observation Focus

Monitor head position, arm swing coordination, spatial awareness, and partner interaction

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggle with technique, safety concerns arise, or partnership difficulties occur

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Exaggerate correct and incorrect techniques for clear contrast and understanding

Verbal Cues

•'Head up like a giraffe!'
•'Arms swing like pendulums!'
•'Toes point where you want to go!'
•'Find the empty spaces!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 15m clear space for Reception class movement

Surface Check

Non-slip surface checked for any obstacles, spillages or hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Cones placed securely with no sharp edges or loose parts
•Clear boundaries established away from walls and furniture

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during free walking
•Falls during trust activities with closed eyes
•Overexertion during extended walking activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear personal space boundaries established and reinforced
•Constant supervision during eyes-closed activities
•Regular rest periods and hydration opportunities
•Immediate stop signals taught and practiced

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students during free movement
•Close proximity supervision during partner trust activities
•Monitor for signs of fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop signal, clear evacuation routes, first aid kit accessible, emergency contacts available