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Lesson 4 - Jumping and Landing Safely

Body Control Skills

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Reception

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Gymnastics

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40 min

Big Question

How can we jump like different animals and land safely without making a sound?

Learning Objectives

To develop jumping and landing safely with control
To explore different types of jumps using two feet, one foot transitions
To create and demonstrate clear body shapes whilst jumping

Key Outcomes

Students will jump and land safely with bent knees
Students will perform straight and star shape jumps with control
Students will link shapes, balances and jumps in a simple sequence

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

30 (1 per student)

Distributed evenly around teaching space

Alternative: Bean bags, hoops, or markers

Key Vocabulary

Landing

The moment when your feet touch the ground after jumping

Two-foot jump

Jumping and landing with both feet together

Hop

Jumping from one foot and landing on the same foot

Leap

Jumping from one foot and landing on the other foot

Straight shape

A narrow body position with arms by ears and legs together

Star shape

A wide body position with arms and legs spread out

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic two-foot jumping on the spot
Simple balance positions
Following movement instructions

Current Skills

Controlled jumping and landing
Shape-making whilst airborne
Linking movements together

Next Steps

More complex gymnastics shapes
Jumping from apparatus
Partner and group sequences

Milestone Indicators

Consistently bends knees on landing

Makes clear shapes visible in flight

Demonstrates spatial awareness when moving

Key Teaching Points

Always emphasise bending knees on landing for safety
Make shapes clear and visible during flight phase
Progress from static to moving activities gradually
Use positive language to encourage experimentation
Connect jumping to real-world contexts (animals, characters)
Value effort and improvement over perfect technique
Link physical activity to health and wellbeing benefits

Common Misconceptions

That jumping higher is always better than controlled jumping
That loud landings show you're jumping well
That all jumps should look the same regardless of purpose
That feedback should focus on what's wrong rather than improvements
That gymnastics shapes don't matter if you can jump high enough

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries marked, regular positive feedback and movement breaks

dyspraxia

Slower progression, extra practice time, breakdown movements into smaller steps

autism spectrum

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

visual impairment

Use bright coloured cones, clear verbal descriptions of shapes, tactile guidance for correct positions

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all movements, visual cues for timing, written instruction cards

physical disability

Seated jumping variations, upper body shape work, adapted equipment heights

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting jumps and landings, measuring jump distances, describing shapes and their properties

Science

Understanding how muscles work, forces in jumping, balance and gravity

PSHE

Cooperation with partners, giving constructive feedback, perseverance when learning new skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around space to observe all students, position for clear demonstration visibility

Observation Focus

Landing technique, shape clarity, spatial awareness, partner interactions

Intervention Points

Step in if landing technique deteriorates, if students collide, or if feedback becomes negative

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Exaggerate correct technique, show common mistakes and corrections, use children as positive examples

Verbal Cues

•'Bend those knees!'
•'Make your shape clear!'
•'Land quietly like a cat!'
•'Well done for helping your partner!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum hall or large classroom space, 15m x 10m, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Non-slip, even surface suitable for jumping activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Ensure cones are stable and won't slip
•Remove any damaged equipment before use

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Heavy landings causing injury
•Collisions during movement activities
•Trips over equipment

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise knee bending consistently throughout lesson
•Ensure adequate spacing between students
•Clear equipment positioning and visibility
•Progressive skill building from basic to advanced

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe landing technique constantly
•Monitor spacing during movement activities
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if unsafe landing observed, check for injury, provide appropriate first aid and support