Lesson 6 - Manipulation & Navigation
Motor Skills & Spatial Confidence
•Reception
•Fundamental Movement Skills
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How can we work carefully with objects whilst moving safely around others?
Learning Objectives
- To manipulate objects with increasing accuracy and control
- To negotiate space successfully whilst avoiding collisions
- To work cooperatively with a partner taking turns and sharing resources
Key Outcomes
- Children will demonstrate improved fine motor control when threading objects
- Children will show awareness of others when moving in shared space
- Children will work together effectively in pairs during threading activities
Equipment & Resources Required
Place in hoops 20m from starting line
Alternative: Large Lego blocks, wooden blocks, foam blocks
One per pair at starting positions
Alternative: Large craft tweezers, salad tongs
Help children tuck into waistband at hips
Alternative: Coloured ribbons, fabric strips
Tie large knot in one end of each piece
Alternative: Shoelaces, thick yarn, pipe cleaners
Place in hoops 20m from children
Alternative: Pasta tubes, cardboard tubes, rolled paper
One per child initially
Alternative: Wooden spoons, large serving spoons
Place with spoons at starting positions
Alternative: Golf balls, ping pong balls, bean bags
Place in hoops 20m away
Alternative: Large washers, curtain rings, cardboard rings
Mark starting positions and collection points
Alternative: Spots, bean bags, chalk marks
Key Vocabulary
Passing string or thread through holes in objects
Moving safely around obstacles and other people
Taking turns one after the other
Being careful and exact with movements
Working together to achieve a common goal
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of personal space
- Experience with simple object manipulation
- Ability to work alongside others
Current Skills
- Threading skills with increasing precision
- Spatial awareness in crowded environments
- Turn-taking and cooperative play
Next Steps
- More complex threading patterns
- Competitive team games requiring spatial awareness
- Independent problem-solving with objects
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Precision and careful work lead to better results than rushing
- Partnership cooperation requires clear communication and turn-taking
- Different challenges require adaptation of technique and approach
- Persistence and resilience are key to overcoming difficulties
- Spatial awareness is essential for safe movement around others
- Fine motor control improves through practice and focused effort
- Self-assessment helps identify areas for improvement and celebrate success
Common Misconceptions
- Children thinking speed is more important than accuracy - address by emphasising quality outcomes
- Believing that dropping objects means failure - reframe as learning opportunities
- Assuming that activities should be easy immediately - explain that challenge promotes growth
- Thinking that helping partners slows them down - highlight benefits of cooperation
- Misconception that tools make tasks easier - explain tools require skill to use effectively
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide movement breaks between stations, use clear visual boundaries
dyspraxia
- Use larger equipment for easier manipulation, provide extra demonstration time, allow additional practice opportunities
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule of activities, offer quiet break space if needed, maintain consistent routines
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment for better visibility, provide audio descriptions of activities, use tactile markers for boundaries
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations extensively, employ clear hand signals for instructions, provide written instruction cards
physical disability
- Adapt tools for different grip needs, provide seated versions of activities, adjust distances and heights as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Science
Understanding forces needed to balance objects, exploring properties of different materials, observing cause and effect
PSHE
Cooperation and turn-taking, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating others' achievements
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move actively between pairs during activities, position centrally for demonstrations and instructions
Observation Focus
Monitor fine motor technique, partnership cooperation, spatial awareness, and persistence levels
Intervention Points
["Step in if children become frustrated with threading difficulties", "Provide technique support for tool use", "Mediate partnership disagreements quickly", "Adjust challenge level if activities too difficult"]
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for clarity, repeat key techniques multiple times, involve children in demonstrations when appropriate
Verbal Cues
- •'Gentle squeeze on the tongs'
- •'Hold the thread steady'
- •'Work together as a team'
- •'Slow and careful wins the race'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m clear area, additional space for equipment stations
Surface Check
Non-slip surface essential for balance activities, clear of obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check tongs have no sharp edges and are appropriate size for children's hands
- •Ensure threading materials have smooth, safe edges
- •Verify practice eggs/balls are appropriate weight and size
- •Confirm tag belts are secure but not restrictive
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Slips and falls during balance activities
- •Collision between children during movement games
- •Potential choking hazard with small threading objects
- •Finger pinching with tools
Risk Mitigation
- •Establish clear movement boundaries and personal spaces
- •Demonstrate safe tool use before independent practice
- •Supervise threading activities closely to prevent choking
- •Ensure adequate spacing between activity stations
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility during tag games
- •Monitor tool use closely during manipulation activities
- •Watch for fatigue which increases accident risk
- •Ensure fair play and gentle contact throughout
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if needed