🎓

Lesson 4 - Sustained Walking Routes and Circuits

Foundation Movement and Spatial Awareness Through Walking

•

Reception

•

Fundamental Movement Skills

•

30 min

Big Question

How can we maintain proper walking technique while following different routes and working with others?

Learning Objectives

To experience sustained walking following a route and instructions
To demonstrate correct walking technique with arms swinging and toes pointing forwards
To collaborate effectively with partners during walking activities

Key Outcomes

Students will walk continuously for extended periods maintaining proper technique
Students will follow routes and instructions accurately while walking
Students will work cooperatively with partners in walking activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

12-18

6 for circuit stations, 12 for circle perimeter

Alternative: Coloured markers, small hoops

Markers

Placed inside circle for beanbag activity

Alternative: Small hoops, poly spots

Balls

10-12

Placed on half the floor markers initially

Alternative: Small balls, juggling scarves

Music Player

For background music during circuit activities

Alternative: Phone with speaker, tablet

Key Vocabulary

Sustained walking

Walking continuously for a longer period without stopping

Route

A path or direction to follow when moving

Opposite arm-leg action

Moving your right arm forward when your left leg steps forward

Technique

The correct way to perform a movement

Transfer

Moving something from one place to another

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic walking without support
Understanding of personal space
Following simple instructions

Current Skills

Sustained walking for longer periods
Walking with correct arm and leg coordination
Following routes and pathways
Collaborative movement with partners

Next Steps

Walking with changes of direction
Walking at different speeds
Walking whilst carrying objects
Complex route following

Milestone Indicators

Walks continuously for 2+ minutes without stopping

Demonstrates opposite arm-leg action consistently

Can follow a simple route independently

Works cooperatively with different partners

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise walking technique throughout - head up, arms swinging, toes forward
Reinforce the concept of sustained movement vs stopping and starting
Connect physical activity to body changes in age-appropriate ways
Encourage cooperation and turn-taking during group activities
Maintain focus on technique even when adding challenge elements
Use positive reinforcement to build confidence in sustained walking
Ensure all students experience success at their own level

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking faster movement is always better - emphasise control and technique
Not understanding the difference between walking and jogging - demonstrate clear differences
Believing that walking is 'easy' and doesn't require technique - show importance of proper form
Thinking that exercise only affects muscles - explain simple heart rate changes
Assuming that walking activities are less important than running games

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries marked, frequent positive feedback, movement breaks as needed

dyspraxia

Allow extra time for movement coordination, provide additional technique demonstration, use larger equipment if helpful

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed, consistent signals and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured cones and markers, provide verbal descriptions of routes, assign sighted partner for beanbag challenge

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for start/stop, written instruction cards with pictures

physical disability

Adapt walking to wheelchair movement or supported walking, modify circuit stations as appropriate, adjust beanbag placement height

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting beanbags transferred, measuring circuits completed, understanding of numbers and quantities

Science

Understanding of body changes during exercise, heart rate awareness, effects of physical activity

Geography

Spatial awareness, following routes and directions, understanding of pathways and circuits

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, personal achievement and goal setting, understanding of fairness in activities

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the space to observe all students, position for maximum visibility during dual-group activities

Observation Focus

Watch for correct walking technique, spatial awareness, cooperation between students, signs of fatigue

Intervention Points

Step in if students begin running instead of walking, provide technique reminders, assist with group rotations

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate walking technique with exaggerated movements for visibility, show both correct and incorrect examples for comparison, use students as positive examples when appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Remember to walk, not run!'
•'Keep your head up and look where you're going!'
•'Swing those arms opposite to your legs!'
•'Point your toes forward as you step!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 10m x 10m indoor space or larger outdoor area, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from debris, appropriate footwear worn

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Cones placed securely with no sharp edges
•Beanbags checked for damage and securely filled
•Floor markers flat against surface to prevent tripping

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during activities
•Trips over equipment or other students
•Overexertion during sustained activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Adequate spacing between students maintained
•Regular technique reminders to prevent running
•Stop signals clearly established and practiced

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of both groups during beanbag challenge
•Move around circuit stations to monitor technique
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed