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Lesson 1 - Basic Body Shapes and Safe Movement

Body Control Skills

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Reception

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Gymnastics

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44 min

Big Question

How can our bodies make different shapes like the animals and objects around us?

Learning Objectives

To safely use space when moving and balancing
To copy and create basic body shapes (tuck, straight, star, pike, straddle)
To move confidently using different travelling actions

Key Outcomes

Students will navigate space safely without collisions
Students will demonstrate five basic body shapes with correct technique
Students will link movements and shapes in a simple sequence

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

30 (1 per student)

Distributed evenly around the activity area

Alternative: Bean bags, hoops, or markers

Cards

1 set

Visible to all students during demonstration

Alternative: Pre-drawn shapes on whiteboard

Key Vocabulary

Tuck

A curled shape where knees come to chest

Straight

A narrow shape where body is stretched tall or long

Star

A wide shape with arms and legs stretched out

Pike

Shape where legs are straight and body bends at hips

Straddle

Shape with legs spread wide apart

Balance

Staying still and steady in a position

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic walking and running skills
Understanding of personal space
Ability to listen and follow simple instructions

Current Skills

Creating basic body shapes
Moving safely in shared space
Balancing and holding positions

Next Steps

Combining shapes into longer sequences
Performing shapes on apparatus
Adding rolling and jumping elements

Milestone Indicators

Consistent demonstration of all five basic shapes

Ability to hold balances for 5+ seconds

Safe, confident movement around others

Key Teaching Points

Always emphasise bent knees for safe landing from jumps
Maintain straight back during tuck shape to prevent injury
Ensure adequate personal space before any movement activity
Use 'squeeze your muscles' cue to help students maintain shapes
Celebrate effort and improvement rather than perfect technique
Allow flexibility in shape formation based on individual ability
Keep verbal instructions simple and demonstrate clearly

Common Misconceptions

Students may think tuck shape requires rounded back - emphasise straight spine
Children often confuse pike with general forward bend - stress straight legs
Star shape arms often too high - demonstrate shoulder height position
Students may think they need perfect flexibility - emphasise personal best effort
Children might rush through shapes - emphasise control and holding positions
May assume all shapes must be done standing - show sitting and lying variations

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries, regular movement opportunities, positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Extra demonstration time, simplified instructions, allow longer practice time, focus on process not perfection

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed, consistent verbal cues

visual impairment

Use tactile guidance for shape formation, verbal descriptions of all movements, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written shape cards, use of hand signals for commands

physical disability

Adapted shapes using chairs or support, modified jumping activities, seated versions of movements

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting to 5 for different shapes, understanding straight and curved lines, recognising star and triangle shapes

Science

Learning about body parts and how they move, understanding balance and forces

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around outside of activity area for clear view of all students, step in to demonstrate as needed

Observation Focus

Watch for safe movement, correct shape formation, and student engagement

Intervention Points

Step in if students are moving unsafely, struggling with shape formation, or need encouragement

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements, demonstrate alongside students when needed, show incorrect technique to highlight correct form

Verbal Cues

•'Find your safe space!'
•'Bend those knees when landing!'
•'Straight back, tight tuck!'
•'Stretch like you're reaching for the ceiling!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m clear space for Reception class movement

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface suitable for sitting and jumping activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cones are stable and have no sharp edges or cracks
•Ensure cones are appropriate size for Reception students
•Count equipment before and after lesson

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during movement activities
•Falls when jumping over cones
•Overstretching during shape formation

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries and personal space rules
•Emphasise controlled jumping with bent knees
•Monitor flexibility activities - no forcing stretches
•Ensure adequate spacing between students
•Progressive introduction of movements

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all students during activities
•Monitor jumping technique closely
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school procedures