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Lesson 4 - Jumping and Landing

Foundation Movement Skills and Body Awareness

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Reception

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Fundamental Movement Skills

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40 min

Big Question

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

Learning Objectives

To develop jumping skills including take-off and landing techniques
To understand how to bend knees for safe landing
To demonstrate control and coordination in jumping movements

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to jump with two feet together and land safely
Students will show improved control when jumping from different starting positions
Students will demonstrate awareness of space and safety when jumping around others

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Place 4 at start positions, 4 at finish positions for queues

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, or coloured spots

Hoops

Various arrangements: individual placement, scattered for lily pad jumping

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, or carpet squares

Base Stations

4-6

Place between hoops for advanced challenges

Alternative: Small mats, foam pads, or balance discs

Key Vocabulary

Take-off

The moment when both feet leave the ground to start a jump

Landing

When your feet touch the ground after jumping

Balance

Staying steady and not falling over

Control

Being able to stop your movement exactly when and where you want

Two feet together

Both feet side by side when jumping and landing

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic jumping with both feet off the ground
Understanding of following simple instructions
Awareness of personal space during movement

Current Skills

Controlled take-off and landing in jumping
Jumping from different starting positions
Coordination of arms and legs during jumping movements

Next Steps

Jumping for distance and height
Sequential jumping patterns
Jumping in game situations with equipment

Milestone Indicators

Consistent knee bend on landing

Balanced landing without stumbling

Smooth transition from take-off to landing

Key Teaching Points

Bend knees for safe landing - this is the most critical safety point
Look ahead, not down, to maintain balance and prevent forward falls
Squeeze muscles on landing to improve balance and control
Wait and look before jumping to ensure safety around others
Two feet together for jumping - like rabbits, kangaroos, or frogs
Persevere with difficult skills - improvement comes with practice
Help others and keep everyone safe during activities

Common Misconceptions

Thinking jumping higher is better - focus should be on control and technique
Believing that looking down helps with accuracy - this actually causes instability
Assuming that landing hard shows strength - soft, controlled landings are safer and more skilful
Thinking only perfect technique matters - effort and improvement are equally important
Believing that helping others slows you down - cooperation makes activities safer and more fun

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries, movement breaks between instruction periods, positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Slower demonstrations, break down movements into smaller steps, extra practice time, supportive encouragement

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if overwhelmed, consistent routine and expectations

visual impairment

Use bright coloured hoops, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for spatial guidance

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written/picture cards for key concepts

physical disability

Seated jumping variations, smaller ranges of movement, adapted equipment like smaller hoops or mats

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Understanding forces in jumping (push/pull), exploring balance and gravity, body parts and movement

Geography

Directional language (around, across, over), spatial awareness and route planning

PSHE

Taking turns, helping others, perseverance when tasks are difficult, celebrating success and effort

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the space to observe all children, position centrally for demonstrations, near exit for emergency access

Observation Focus

Landing technique, spatial awareness, helping behaviours, fatigue levels, engagement and enjoyment

Intervention Points

Step in when children struggle with technique, safety awareness diminishes, or frustration levels rise

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate at child's eye level, exaggerate key points, use animal imagery, repeat demonstrations frequently, involve children in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Bend those knees like springs!'
•'Eyes up, look where you're going!'
•'Squeeze your muscles tight when you land!'
•'Wait for a clear space before jumping!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m clear space, indoor hall with non-slip surface ideal

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, appropriate footwear for surface type

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check hoops are not cracked or damaged
•Ensure cones are stable and visible
•Verify base stations (if used) are secure and appropriate height

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls from poor landing technique
•Collisions during movement games
•Fatigue leading to reduced control
•Equipment entanglement or tripping

Risk Mitigation

•Constant emphasis on bent-knee landing technique
•Clear boundaries and traffic management
•Regular technique breaks to prevent fatigue
•Adequate spacing between equipment and children

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe landing technique across whole group
•Monitor for signs of fatigue affecting safety
•Watch for children attempting skills beyond their ability
•Ensure clear sight lines during all activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess need for first aid, have another adult supervise group if individual attention required