Lesson 5 - Body Awareness and Coordination
Movement Foundations
•Reception
•Gymnastics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we use our whole body to send and receive objects whilst working as a team?
Learning Objectives
- Develop body awareness, moving limbs together and in isolation
- Show ability to copy and repeat simple movement patterns
- Use basic equipment to demonstrate coordinated movement whilst working collaboratively
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved body awareness through controlled limb movements
- Students will successfully copy and repeat movement patterns shown by teacher and peers
- Students will coordinate sending and receiving objects using different body positions
Equipment & Resources Required
Stored in central equipment area for easy distribution
Alternative: Small foam balls, tennis balls
Various sizes available for different abilities
Alternative: Soft play balls, sponge balls
Clear, straight line visible across activity area
Alternative: Rope, tape, chalk line
Optional equipment for advanced groups
Alternative: Hoops, rings
Simple start/stop music for rhythm activities
Alternative: Phone with speaker, CD player
Key Vocabulary
Understanding where your body parts are and how they move
Lying on your tummy facing downwards
Lying on your back facing upwards
Using different body parts together smoothly
Moving one body part on its own
Working together as a team
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic awareness of body parts (arms, legs, hands, feet)
- Ability to follow simple instructions
- Experience with simple object manipulation
Current Skills
- Coordinated limb movements in isolation and together
- Copying and repeating movement patterns
- Object control using various body positions
- Collaborative teamwork skills
Next Steps
- More complex movement sequences
- Advanced object manipulation skills
- Partner and group gymnastics activities
- Introduction to simple apparatus work
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise controlled, safe movements in all positions to prevent injury
- Continuously reinforce left and right awareness through practical application
- Encourage experimentation with different body parts while maintaining safety
- Build teamwork skills through positive reinforcement and peer support
- Connect body awareness to everyday activities children can understand
- Use imaginative language to make movements engaging and memorable
- Progress from individual to partner to team activities building confidence gradually
Common Misconceptions
- Children thinking they need to move fast rather than controlled - emphasise quality over speed
- Confusion between left and right - use consistent visual cues and practice regularly
- Believing they can't work in different positions - provide modifications and encouragement
- Thinking teamwork means competition - focus on cooperation and helping others succeed
- Assuming they need to be perfect immediately - celebrate effort and improvement over outcome
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, use movement as positive outlet with structure
dyspraxia
- Extra practice time for position changes, use larger equipment, break down complex movements into smaller steps
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule of activities, allow breaks if overwhelmed, use consistent routine and language
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all positions, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written position cards available
physical disability
- Adapt positions to seated or supported variations, use larger equipment for easier grip, modified distances
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Left and right orientation, counting team members, recognising patterns in over-under sequences
Science
Understanding how the body moves, forces when pushing objects, balance and stability
PSHE
Cooperation and teamwork, taking turns, helping others, celebrating success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move actively around the space to observe all students, position near groups needing support
Observation Focus
Watch for correct body positioning, safe movement transitions, and positive team interactions
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with left/right concepts, provide hands-on support for position changes
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements when demonstrating positions, show common mistakes and corrections
Verbal Cues
- •'Show me your left hand!' for position awareness
- •'Gentle and controlled' for object passing
- •'Help your partner' to encourage cooperation
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor hall or outdoor area minimum 15m x 10m with soft surface preferred
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from hazards, suitable for lying down activities
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check beanbags and balls for damage or sharp edges
- •Ensure equipment is appropriate size for Reception age group
- •Keep spare equipment available for hygiene concerns
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during jumping activities
- •Falls during position changes
- •Equipment thrown inappropriately
- •Overexertion in different positions
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for all activities
- •Adequate spacing maintained between students and groups
- •Progressive introduction of positions from easier to harder
- •Constant supervision during partner and team activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all students during activities
- •Move between groups during partner work
- •Watch for fatigue during position-based activities
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid and support, contact office if needed