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Lesson 2 - Exploring Different Directions

Champion Gymnasts: Foundation Movement and Body Awareness

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Reception

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Gymnastics

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45 min

Big Question

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

Gymnastics Benches

4-6

Positioned safely with mats underneath, adequate spacing

Alternative: Long PE benches, balance beams

Gymnastics Mats

8-12

Placed under and around apparatus for safety

Alternative: PE mats, carpet squares

Low Gymnastics Boxes

4-6

Various heights for different challenge levels

Alternative: PE blocks, sturdy platforms

Tunnels

3-4

Secured safely for crawling through activities

Alternative: Large hoops held by adults, fabric tunnels

Cones

8-10

Mark boundaries and direction change points

Alternative: Coloured spots, bean bags

Key Vocabulary

Forwards

Moving in the direction you are facing

Backwards

Moving in the opposite direction to where you are facing

Sideways

Moving to the left or right side

Champion

Moving with excellent control, quiet body, pointed fingers and toes

Directions

The different ways we can move our bodies through space

Apparatus

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

Demonstrates clear directional changes

Maintains 'champion' qualities throughout movement

Shows confidence on low apparatus

Collaborates effectively with peers

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