🤸

Lesson 5 - Flight Patterns and Leaping Sequences

Foundation Flight Skills and Creative Movement Sequences

•

Reception

•

Gymnastics

•

45 min

Big Question

How can we use different types of jumps and leaps to create exciting movement sequences?

Learning Objectives

To develop different types of leaps (cat, scissor, split) with controlled landings
To create sequences combining jumps, leaps and direction changes
To mount climbing equipment safely using alternate feet

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate three different leap patterns with cushioned landings
Students will perform sequences involving leaps, jumps and directional changes
Students will safely navigate apparatus using alternate foot mounting technique

Equipment & Resources Required

Apparatus

6-8 pieces

Arranged around room perimeter for elevation practice

Alternative: Low benches, mats folded for height, sturdy boxes

Climbing Frames

2-3 sets

Positioned safely with clear approach and landing areas

Alternative: Sturdy steps, playground climbing equipment

Era Posters

3 sets

Showing cat leap, scissor leap, and split leap positions

Alternative: Printed images, tablet displays, demonstration cards

Gymnastics Mats

8-10 mats

Placed under and around all apparatus for safety

Alternative: Soft play mats, carpet tiles, foam padding

Stopwatch

For timing apparatus setup and pack away challenges

Alternative: Phone timer, classroom clock with second hand

Markers Cones

20-30

To mark individual spaces and apparatus group areas

Alternative: Bean bags, spots, small hoops

Key Vocabulary

Leap

Taking off from one foot and landing on the opposite foot

Cat Leap

A leap where both knees are brought up towards the chest

Scissor Leap

A leap where legs are extended in opposite directions like scissors

Split Leap

A leap with legs extended wide apart to the sides

Cushioned Landing

Bending knees and ankles to absorb the impact when landing

Elevation

The height achieved when jumping or leaping into the air

Sequence

A series of movements performed one after another

Alternate Feet

Using first one foot, then the other foot in turn

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic jumping with two feet landing
Simple balance on one foot
Following movement directions and stopping on command

Current Skills

Leaping from one foot to opposite foot
Cushioned landings with knee bend
Sequencing different movement patterns
Alternate foot climbing technique

Next Steps

Complex gymnastic sequences with apparatus
Flight phases in vaulting activities
Advanced balance and coordination challenges

Milestone Indicators

Consistent cushioned landings in all leap types

Smooth transitions between different movements

Confident apparatus navigation with correct technique

Key Teaching Points

Safety through cushioned landings must be established before height or distance challenges
Alternate foot climbing technique requires slow, deliberate practice with visual modelling
Peer assessment develops when students have clear criteria to observe
Apparatus rules prevent injuries and must be consistently enforced
Progressive skill building from simple leaps to complex sequences ensures success
Self-assessment accuracy improves with specific learning objectives
Partner work requires structured roles and clear expectations

Common Misconceptions

All jumps are the same - clarify difference between two-foot jumps and one-foot-to-opposite-foot leaps
Higher is always better - emphasise control and technique over height or distance
Apparatus work is just for fun - explain skill development purposes and learning objectives
Fast climbing is good climbing - demonstrate slow, controlled alternate foot technique
Landing hard shows power - teach that soft landings demonstrate skill and protect joints

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent movement changes, clear boundaries for activities, additional adult support for apparatus work

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, break down skills into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Clear routine for apparatus setup, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of leap types, provide tactile markers for apparatus edges, ensure clear auditory cues for direction changes

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, provide written instruction cards, use hand signals for directions

physical disability

Adapt leaping to seated or supported versions, modify apparatus heights, provide alternative climbing challenges

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Letter recognition during warm-up game, animal vocabulary during movement game, descriptive language for movements

Maths

Counting leap patterns, measuring jumping distances, recognising alternating patterns in climbing

Science

Understanding forces in jumping and landing, gravity effects during flight phase, body mechanics

PSHE

Peer assessment and constructive feedback, perseverance when learning new skills, cooperation during apparatus work

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all groups, position near apparatus during climbing practice

Observation Focus

Prioritise landing technique, apparatus safety, and alternate foot climbing development

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for unsafe apparatus use, assist with leap technique when students struggle

Demonstration Notes

Use slow, exaggerated movements for leap demonstrations, emphasise safety over height/distance

Verbal Cues

•'Soft landings like a cat!'
•'Push off strong, land gentle!'
•'Left foot, right foot, alternate!'
•'Knees like springs when you land!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m hall space with 3m clear height for jumping activities

Surface Check

Non-slip hall floor checked for wet patches, debris or hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All apparatus checked for stability before use
•Adequate matting under and around climbing equipment
•Visual posters securely mounted and non-slip

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls from apparatus during climbing practice
•Collisions during leaping with run-ups
•Hard landings causing ankle or knee injury
•Apparatus handling injuries during setup/pack away

Risk Mitigation

•Supervised apparatus setup with safety rules emphasised
•Controlled spacing during all leaping activities
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex movements
•Mandatory cushioned landing technique before attempting elevation

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of apparatus work and climbing
•Monitor alternate foot climbing technique for safety
•Watch for fatigue affecting landing technique

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, clear area for emergency access if needed