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Lesson 5 - Fast and Slow Animal Movements

Foundational Movement Skills

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Reception

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Fundamental Movement Skills

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45 min

Big Question

How do different animals use speed to survive and move in their environments?

Learning Objectives

Recognise and demonstrate the difference between fast and slow movements
Perform movements at different speeds whilst maintaining control and safety
Identify and mimic how different animals move at various speeds

Key Outcomes

Students will show clear differences between fast and slow animal movements
Students will move safely around the space while changing speeds
Students will describe whether an animal movement is fast or slow

Equipment & Resources Required

Gymnastics Mats

8-10 mats

Spread around room with clear pathways between them

Alternative: PE hoops, carpet squares, or marked floor areas

Coloured Cones

12-16 cones

Used to mark boundaries and safe areas if outdoors

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, or tape lines

Cards

1 set of 9 cards

Visual aids showing different animals for movement inspiration

Alternative: Printed images or verbal descriptions

Key Vocabulary

Fast

Moving quickly with speed and energy

Slow

Moving gradually and carefully with control

Speed

How fast or slow something moves

Control

Having command over your body movements

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic locomotor movements like walking and running
Following simple instructions
Understanding of 'fast' and 'slow' concepts

Current Skills

Controlling speed of movement
Animal movement patterns
Spatial awareness during speed changes

Next Steps

Combining speed changes with direction changes
Using speed strategically in games
Understanding acceleration and deceleration

Milestone Indicators

Clear distinction between fast and slow movements

Safe navigation at different speeds

Creative animal movement interpretation

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise clear differences between fast and slow movements throughout
Connect animal characteristics to their movement speeds for deeper understanding
Maintain safety focus during speed changes and transitions
Encourage creativity while maintaining movement control
Use animal theme consistently to engage and motivate students

Common Misconceptions

All big animals move slowly (elephants can run fast) - show examples of fast large animals
Fast always means running - demonstrate fast non-locomotor movements
Slow movements are easier - explain that control makes slow movements challenging
All animals of same type move same speed - discuss individual differences

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear boundaries, regular movement breaks already built in, fidget tools available during sitting time

dyspraxia

Simplified animal movements, extra practice time, large clear space for movement

autism spectrum

Clear structure with visual timetable, consistent animal examples, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured mats, clear verbal descriptions of animal movements, partner support for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all movements, hand signals for fast/slow, written animal cards with pictures

physical disability

Seated animal movements, adapted stretches, upper body animal movements only

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting students on mats (up to 3), comparing speeds using faster/slower language

Science

Animal habitats and characteristics, understanding why animals move differently

Geography

Where different animals live around the world, environments that suit fast/slow animals

PSHE

Working cooperatively with partners, taking turns, encouraging others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around outside edge of space for maximum visibility, closer during partner work

Observation Focus

Speed differentiation, safety awareness, creative interpretation of animals

Intervention Points

Step in if movements become unsafe, provide support for movement ideas, manage group dynamics

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show clear differences, demonstrate at student level, use animal sounds to enhance engagement

Verbal Cues

•'Show me the difference!'
•'Can you make it even slower?'
•'Keep your eyes looking where you're going'
•'Think about how that animal really moves'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor space minimum 15m x 10m

Surface Check

Smooth, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Mats checked for tears and placed flat
•Cones positioned away from movement areas
•Visual aids secured and not creating trip hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during fast animal movements
•Slips when changing from fast to slow movements
•Overcrowding on mats during Mouse Trap game

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and reinforced
•Emphasis on spatial awareness throughout
•Controlled numbers on mats with counting system
•Regular reminders about gentle movement around others

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe whole space during fast movements
•Move closer during floor-based animal movements
•Monitor mat areas during Mouse Trap for safe sharing

Emergency Procedures

Standard PE emergency procedures, clear stop signal established