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Lesson 6 - Manipulation & Navigation

Motor Skills & Spatial Confidence

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Reception

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Fundamental Movement Skills

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1h 12min

Big Question

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

Building Blocks

40 blocks (8 per pair, 5 pairs)

Place in hoops 20m from starting line

Alternative: Large Lego blocks, wooden blocks, foam blocks

Tweezers

5 pairs

One per pair at starting positions

Alternative: Large craft tweezers, salad tongs

Tag Belts

20 belts (2 per child)

Help children tuck into waistband at hips

Alternative: Coloured ribbons, fabric strips

Curtain Rings with Attached Strings

10 pieces (50cm each)

Tie large knot in one end of each piece

Alternative: Shoelaces, thick yarn, pipe cleaners

Straws

100 pieces cut to 6cm

Place in hoops 20m from children

Alternative: Pasta tubes, cardboard tubes, rolled paper

Plastic Cones

10 spoons

One per child initially

Alternative: Wooden spoons, large serving spoons

Game Balls

5 items

Place with spoons at starting positions

Alternative: Golf balls, ping pong balls, bean bags

Large Bolts

50 pieces

Place in hoops 20m away

Alternative: Large washers, curtain rings, cardboard rings

Cones

15 cones

Mark starting positions and collection points

Alternative: Spots, bean bags, chalk marks

Key Vocabulary

Threading

Passing string or thread through holes in objects

Negotiate space

Moving safely around obstacles and other people

Alternating

Taking turns one after the other

Precision

Being careful and exact with movements

Cooperation

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

Can thread 5+ objects without dropping

Moves around others without physical contact

Takes turns without adult reminders

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