Lesson 2 - Exploring Different Directions
Champion Gymnasts: Foundation Movement and Body Awareness
•Reception
•Gymnastics
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How can we move like champion gymnasts in all directions whilst staying safe?
Learning Objectives
- To explore moving in different directions with control and confidence
- To develop understanding of 'champion' movement qualities
- To apply directional movement skills on apparatus safely
Key Outcomes
- Students will move confidently in forwards, backwards and sideways directions
- Students will demonstrate 'champion' qualities: quiet bodies, pointed fingers and toes, stillness in shapes
- Students will collaborate safely on apparatus, taking turns and sharing space
Equipment & Resources Required
Positioned safely with mats underneath, adequate spacing
Alternative: Long PE benches, balance beams
Placed under and around apparatus for safety
Alternative: PE mats, carpet squares
Various heights for different challenge levels
Alternative: PE blocks, sturdy platforms
Secured safely for crawling through activities
Alternative: Large hoops held by adults, fabric tunnels
Mark boundaries and direction change points
Alternative: Coloured spots, bean bags
Key Vocabulary
Moving in the direction you are facing
Moving in the opposite direction to where you are facing
Moving to the left or right side
Moving with excellent control, quiet body, pointed fingers and toes
The different ways we can move our bodies through space
Equipment we use for gymnastics activities
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic locomotor movements (walking, running, jumping)
- Understanding of personal space
- Following simple movement instructions
- Basic body awareness
Current Skills
- Directional awareness (forwards, backwards, sideways)
- Quality movement principles ('champion' qualities)
- Controlled movement on apparatus
- Collaborative movement skills
Next Steps
- Combining directions in movement sequences
- Adding levels (high, medium, low) to directional movement
- Creating movement patterns with apparatus
- Partner and group movement combinations
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Champion qualities: quiet bodies, pointed fingers and toes, still shapes
- Safety first, especially in backwards movement
- Clear directional understanding: forwards (nose direction), backwards (opposite), sideways (left/right)
- Collaborative apparatus use with turn-taking
- Progressive skill building from floor to apparatus
- Encourage creative movement exploration within safe parameters
- Maintain calm, controlled atmosphere throughout
Common Misconceptions
- Forwards movement must be walking - clarify many ways to move forwards
- Backwards movement is unsafe - teach safe backwards movement techniques
- Sideways means turning body - emphasise facing forward whilst moving sideways
- Champion means fast - clarify champion means controlled and quiet
- Apparatus is only for going over - explore under, around, through options
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, additional adult support for focus
dyspraxia
- Simplified movements initially, additional practice time, adult modelling, break down complex movements into steps
autism spectrum
- Clear structure and routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet spaces available, predictable transitions
visual impairment
- Clear verbal directions, tactile boundaries, adult guidance for apparatus, bright coloured equipment where possible
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations, hand signals for directions, written instruction cards, adult positioning for lip-reading
physical disability
- Adapted apparatus heights, seated movement options, modified directional movements, additional adult support
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Directional language (forwards, backwards, left, right), spatial awareness, counting movements
Science
Forces and movement, balance and stability, body awareness and control
Geography
Direction and position, mapping movements, spatial concepts
PSHE
Collaboration and sharing, encouraging others, building confidence and self-belief
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position during floor work, move around apparatus during exploration
Observation Focus
Champion qualities, directional accuracy, safety awareness, collaborative behaviour
Intervention Points
Unsafe movements, lack of direction understanding, poor collaboration
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to show direction clearly, model champion qualities consistently, show enthusiasm for different movement ideas
Verbal Cues
- •'Champion posture!'
- •'Point those fingers and toes!'
- •'Check behind you for backwards!'
- •'Share nicely with friends!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 10m x 15m clear space plus apparatus areas
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from hazards, mats under apparatus
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •All apparatus stable and appropriate height
- •Mats correctly positioned under apparatus
- •Regular equipment checks for damage
- •Appropriate challenge levels for Reception age
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls from apparatus
- •Collisions during movement
- •Loss of balance in backwards movement
- •Overconfidence leading to unsafe choices
Risk Mitigation
- •Constant adult supervision near apparatus
- •Clear boundaries and movement rules
- •Emphasis on controlled, slow movements
- •Progressive skill building from floor to apparatus
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all apparatus
- •Move between apparatus during free exploration
- •Monitor backwards movement closely
- •Intervene quickly if unsafe behaviour occurs
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students remain safe and calm