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Big Question

How can we use our bodies to jump and skip in different exciting ways?

Learning Objectives

  • Develop skipping skills with rope for improved coordination
  • Explore various jumping techniques including hurdles, high jump, and long jump
  • Build confidence in travelling over, under, around and through obstacles

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate consistent skipping with a rope
  • Students will successfully navigate different jumping activities
  • Students will show improved coordination and confidence in locomotion skills

Equipment & Resources Required

Ropes
1 per student (30)

Check rope length - should reach armpits when standing on middle

Alternative: Scarves or ribbons for rope practice

Low Hurdles
6-8 hurdles

Set at ankle height for Reception students

Alternative: Pool noodles on low cones, foam blocks

Medium Cones
4 cones, 2 canes

Height adjustable - start at knee level

Alternative: Foam pool noodles, elastic bands between poles

Mats
10-15 spots

Different colours for different take-off points

Alternative: Chalk lines, tape markers

Dish Cones
6 cones

Place at varying distances for differentiation

Alternative: Hoops, bean bags as targets

Tunnel Systems
1

Ensure clear volume for all students to hear commands

Alternative: Mobile phone with speaker

Key Vocabulary

Skipping

Jumping over a rope that swings under your feet and over your head

Eagle pose

Standing with arms stretched wide like an eagle's wings

Scissor kick

Jumping technique where legs move like scissors for high jump

Take-off foot

The foot you push off from when jumping

Hurdles

Low barriers to jump over in sequence

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic jumping on two feet
  • Simple rope handling
  • Following multi-step instructions
  • Basic spatial awareness

Current Skills

  • Consistent skipping with rope
  • Varied jumping techniques
  • Coordination of arms and legs
  • Confident obstacle navigation

Next Steps

  • Complex skipping patterns
  • Partner and group jumping activities
  • Athletic field events introduction
  • Advanced locomotion combinations

Milestone Indicators

1
Maintains rhythm while skipping
2
Demonstrates takeoff foot consistency
3
Shows improved coordination
4
Attempts new challenges confidently

Key Teaching Points

  • Rope length must be correct for successful skipping - check individually
  • Timing is more important than speed - emphasise swing, tap, jump sequence
  • Takeoff foot consistency across all jumping activities builds athletic foundation
  • Personal best achievements more valuable than peer comparisons
  • Station rotation requires clear organisation and safety awareness
  • Balance effort recognition with achievement celebration
  • Progressive skill building prevents frustration and builds confidence

Common Misconceptions

  • Students think they must skip fast - emphasise slow, controlled learning first
  • Belief that rope skipping is only about jumping - highlight arm and timing coordination
  • Assumption that falling/failing means they can't do it - reframe as learning process
  • Thinking all jumping activities are the same - highlight different techniques required
  • Misconception that only 'athletic' children can succeed - emphasise effort and improvement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries, immediate positive feedback for focus
dyspraxia
  • Simplified rope handling, extra demonstration time, success criteria adjusted for individual needs
autism spectrum
  • Clear visual schedule of stations, predictable routine structure, quiet break area available
visual impairment
  • Tactile rope guidance, verbal descriptions of space, buddy system for station navigation
hearing impairment
  • Visual demonstrations of all commands, hand signals for instructions, written station cards
physical disability
  • Seated rope activities, modified jumping heights, alternative upper body movements

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting skips and jumps, measuring distances, understanding sequences and patterns

Science

Forces in jumping, gravity and landing, body systems and heart rate during exercise

Music

Rhythm and timing in rope skipping, following musical commands and beats

PSHE

Persistence and resilience, celebrating personal achievements, supporting others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during warm-up, circulating during stations for individual support

Observation Focus

Technique development, effort levels, safety awareness, peer interaction

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with rope length, unsafe jumping technique, or peer conflicts

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for complex skills, highlight successful student examples, maintain enthusiasm throughout

Verbal Cues
  • •'Swing, tap, jump!' for skipping timing
  • •'Same foot every time!' for takeoff consistency
  • •'Try your best, that's what matters!' for encouragement

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m clear area, additional space for three jumping stations

Surface Check

Non-slip, even surface suitable for jumping and landing activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • •Check rope handles secure and length appropriate
  • •Ensure hurdles are stable but easily displaced if hit
  • •High jump equipment should break away easily when contacted

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • •Rope tangling between students during skipping
  • •Collisions during station rotations
  • •Falls or awkward landings during jumping activities
Risk Mitigation
  • •Adequate spacing maintained throughout lesson
  • •Clear movement pathways between stations
  • •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
  • •Adult supervision at challenging stations

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • •Position for clear view of all three stations
  • •Circulate actively during practice sessions
  • •Monitor fatigue levels and adjust intensity accordingly
Emergency Procedures

Standard first aid procedures for minor scrapes/bumps, ice pack available for bruising