This unit introduces Reception students to fundamental movement patterns through playful exploration and progressive skill development. The focus is on building body awareness, spatial understanding, and movement confidence in a safe, nurturing environment. Each lesson uses animal movements and imaginative play to make learning engaging whilst developing essential motor skills that underpin all future PE learning.

Lessons in This Unit

6 lessons in this unit

Lesson 1

Developing Balancing Skills
40 min

Big Question:

How can I use my body to stay balanced and move safely through space?

Key Objectives:

  • • To develop static and dynamic balancing skills
  • • To negotiate space safely whilst maintaining balance

Lesson 2

Running and Stopping
40 min

Big Question:

How can we move our bodies to run fast and stop safely?

Key Objectives:

  • • To develop running technique with good body control
  • • To master quick and controlled stopping skills

Lesson 3

Changing Direction
40 min

Big Question:

How can we safely change direction while moving at different speeds?

Key Objectives:

  • • To develop changing direction skills using small steps and body positioning
  • • To improve control and coordination when stopping and starting movements

Lesson 4

Jumping and Landing
40 min

Big Question:

How can we jump safely and land with control like different animals?

Key Objectives:

  • • To develop jumping skills including take-off and landing techniques
  • • To understand how to bend knees for safe landing

Lesson 5

Hopping and Landing Balance
40 min

Big Question:

How can we hop like rabbits and land safely without falling over?

Key Objectives:

  • • To develop hopping skills with control and coordination
  • • To land in a balanced position after jumping and hopping

Lesson 6

Different Ways to Travel
35 min

Big Question:

How many different ways can our bodies move through space?

Key Objectives:

  • • To explore different ways to travel
  • • To handle equipment effectively