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Big Question

How can we control our bodies to stop safely and quickly when we hear different signals?

Learning Objectives

  • Show control to stop and perform actions to suggest ways to move safely
  • Move and stop appropriately responding to cues and signals
  • Demonstrate body control and awareness whilst moving in confined spaces

Key Outcomes

  • Students will be able to freeze their bodies on command without wobbling
  • Students will demonstrate safe stopping techniques in different situations
  • Students will show awareness of personal space and lane discipline

Equipment & Resources Required

Music Player
1 set

Position for clear sound throughout space

Alternative: Whistle, tambourine, or clapping for sound cues

Hoops
6 (1 per team)

Scattered randomly around activity area

Alternative: Poly spots, chalk circles on playground

Cones
20-30

Mark out 6-8 lanes approximately 15m long

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk lines

Small Balls
18 (3 per lane)

Placed on cones at end of each lane

Alternative: Bean bags, quoits, tennis balls

Key Vocabulary

Freeze

To stop your body completely still like a statue

Lane

Your own pathway or space to move in

Cue

A signal that tells you what to do

Control

Being able to make your body do exactly what you want

Balance

Keeping steady and not falling over

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic running and walking movements
  • Following simple instructions
  • Understanding stop and go commands

Current Skills

  • Controlled stopping on cue
  • Moving safely in lanes
  • Balancing after stopping
  • Responding to musical and visual cues

Next Steps

  • Complex movement patterns with stops
  • Team coordination in relays
  • Advanced agility movements

Milestone Indicators

1
Stops immediately when cue is given
2
Maintains balance during freeze positions
3
Shows spatial awareness in confined areas

Key Teaching Points

  • Muscle tension creates controlled stopping - demonstrate tight vs loose muscles
  • Eyes up and forward while running helps maintain lane discipline
  • Different cues require different responses - audio vs visual signals
  • Teamwork means encouraging others, not just winning relays
  • Safety comes first - controlled movements are better than fast movements
  • Personal space awareness prevents collisions and injuries
  • Balance after stopping shows true body control

Common Misconceptions

  • Stopping quickly means stopping unsafely - emphasise control over speed
  • Lanes are suggestions rather than boundaries - reinforce importance of staying within markers
  • Helping teammates means doing their turn for them - teach encouragement vs interference
  • Freeze means any still position - demonstrate quality statue positions
  • Winning relays is most important - emphasise participation and improvement over competition

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter activity bursts, frequent position changes, clear behaviour expectations with visual reminders
dyspraxia
  • Wider lanes for easier navigation, additional practice time, simplified movement patterns initially
autism spectrum
  • Clear visual schedule of activities, predictable routine structure, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
  • Use verbal cues alongside music, buddy system for navigation, tactile markers for lanes and equipment
hearing impairment
  • Clear visual signals for stopping, vibrating music mat, sign support for instructions
physical disability
  • Adapted stopping activities from seated position, modified relay distances, alternative equipment handling

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting jumps and seconds, understanding positional language (in, out, between), measuring distances in lanes

Science

Understanding forces and friction when stopping, exploring how muscles work during freezing and movement

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, taking turns, encouraging others, following rules and instructions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corner of activity area for maximum visibility of all children during activities

Observation Focus

Watch for safe spacing, controlled movements, and positive team interactions

Intervention Points

Step in if children struggle with lane discipline, unsafe stopping, or team cooperation

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate with exaggerated movements for visibility, show both correct and incorrect examples for clarity

Verbal Cues
  • •'Freeze like a statue!'
  • •'Stay in your lane!'
  • •'Tight muscles, no wobbling!'
  • •'Cheer for your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m indoor hall or outdoor hard court surface

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from water, debris, or trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • •Check hoops are flat and crack-free
  • •Ensure cones are stable and visible
  • •Verify balls are properly inflated

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • •Collisions during musical statues
  • •Falls when stopping quickly
  • •Equipment trips and slips
Risk Mitigation
  • •Clear boundaries and spacing rules established
  • •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
  • •Constant supervision during relay activities
  • •Emphasis on controlled rather than fast movements

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • •Position to see all lanes during relay activities
  • •Monitor hoop area during musical hoops
  • •Watch for unsafe movements or behaviours
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, have emergency contact details readily available