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Lesson 3 - Scissor Kick Jumping and Height

Jumping & Dynamic Mastery

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Reception

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Fundamental Movement Skills

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use our whole body to jump higher and further?

Learning Objectives

To develop scissor kick jumping technique with elevation
To understand which foot feels better for take-off
To explore different types of jumping (vertical and horizontal)

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate scissor kick jumping with improved technique
Students will identify their preferred take-off foot
Students will experience and compare different jumping styles

Equipment & Resources Required

Music Player

Central position for whole class to hear

Alternative: Phone with speaker, CD player

Low Hurdles

6-8

Various heights 10-20cm around activity area

Alternative: Cones with canes, rope lines

Wall Bars

4-6 sets

30cm apart in lines for bouncing over

Alternative: Skipping ropes laid on ground, chalk lines

Cones

4 sets

Adjustable height 15-25cm for scissor jumping

Alternative: Two chairs with rope between

Gymnastics Mats

4-6

For safe landing areas at jumping stations

Alternative: Carpet squares, marked floor areas

Chalk

1 box

For marking wall height measurements

Alternative: Washable markers, sticky notes

Mats

Central line for side-to-side jumping

Alternative: Tape lines on floor, rope on ground

Measuring Tapes

For measuring jump distances and heights

Alternative: Ruler, marked floor areas

Key Vocabulary

Scissor kick

A jumping action where legs move like scissors in the air

Take-off foot

The foot you push off from to start your jump

Elevation

Getting height in your jump by pushing up strongly

Vertical jump

Jumping straight up as high as possible

Standing long jump

Jumping forward as far as possible from a still position

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running and walking patterns
Two-footed jumping on the spot
Simple coordination movements

Current Skills

Scissor kick jumping technique
Single-foot take-off skills
Arm coordination for jumping

Next Steps

Advanced jumping combinations
Distance and height challenges
Jumping in games contexts

Milestone Indicators

Clear scissor action visible in air

Consistent use of preferred take-off foot

Improved height through arm drive

Key Teaching Points

Scissor kick jumping requires single-foot take-off with legs moving in opposite directions
Arms drive upward to help gain elevation in all jumping activities
Each child will have a preferred take-off foot that feels more natural and controllable
Vertical jumping focuses on height while long jumping focuses on distance
Soft landings with bent knees are essential for safety in all jumping activities
Honest self-assessment helps children understand their own learning progress
Equipment can be adjusted to provide appropriate challenge for different ability levels

Common Misconceptions

All jumping must be done with two feet - explain when single-foot take-off is appropriate
Higher obstacles are always better - emphasise technique over height
Arms don't matter in jumping - demonstrate how arms provide power and balance
Everyone should jump the same height - celebrate individual progress and effort
Landing hard shows power - teach that soft landings show control and prevent injury
Jumping is just about leg strength - explain whole body coordination involved

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear start/stop signals, movement breaks between explanations, clear visual boundaries for activity areas, positive behaviour reinforcement

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier success, slower demonstrations with breakdown of movements, extra practice time for coordination, simplified instruction sequences

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, predictable routine with advance warning of changes, quiet space available if overstimulated, consistent equipment placement

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, clear verbal descriptions of jumping actions, buddy system for equipment navigation, tactile guidance for wall measurements

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all skills, hand signals for commands, written or pictorial instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Seated or supported jumping variations, modified equipment heights, focus on arm movements if leg movement limited, wheelchair-accessible measuring activities

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following complex instructions, using descriptive language for jumping actions, discussing similarities and differences

Maths

Measuring jump heights and distances, counting jumps in speed activities, comparing measurements between attempts

Science

Understanding forces in jumping, gravity effects on landing, muscle coordination and body systems during exercise

PSHE

Building confidence through challenge, perseverance when activities are difficult, celebrating personal and others' achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during demonstrations, circulating during practice, stationed at high-risk activities like vertical jumping

Observation Focus

Watch for correct take-off foot usage, scissor action development, safe landing technique, and individual confidence levels

Intervention Points

Step in when children struggle with take-off foot identification, provide support for equipment-based jumping, assist with self-assessment understanding

Demonstration Notes

Use slow motion for complex skills, exaggerate movements for visibility, select good child examples for peer learning, emphasise safety throughout

Verbal Cues

•'One foot take-off, scissor legs!'
•'Drive those arms up for height!'
•'Soft landings with bent knees!'
•'Which foot feels better?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor area minimum 15m x 20m with high ceiling for vertical jumping

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from obstacles, suitable for jumping and landing

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All jumping equipment stable and appropriate height for Reception age
•Mats positioned at all landing areas
•Equipment regularly checked for damage or wear
•Canes securely held between cones at safe height

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls from jumping activities
•Collisions between children during free movement
•Equipment instability during jumping
•Overexertion during repeated jumping

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing maintained between all activities
•Progressive skill development from easy to challenging
•Proper landing technique emphasised throughout
•Equipment heights appropriate for age group
•Regular rest breaks between intense activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all equipment stations
•Active supervision at vertical jump wall area
•Monitor fatigue levels during circuit activities
•Ensure safe equipment use at all times

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, ensure other children are safely occupied