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Lesson 3 - Safe Jumping & Landing

Safe Movement Exploration

•

Reception

•

Gymnastics

•

40 min

Big Question

How can we jump from high places and land like superheroes without wobbling?

Learning Objectives

To develop jumping and landing safely from a height
To perform shape jumps with control and coordination
To combine jumping, shapes and balances in sequences

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate safe landing technique with bent knees
Students will perform straight and star shape jumps from benches
Students will create simple sequences combining shapes, jumps and balances

Equipment & Resources Required

Gymnastics Benches

Place in line formation with safe spacing between

Alternative: Low boxes, stable platforms

Gymnastics Mats

Two mats in front of each bench for safe landing

Alternative: Crash mats, landing mats

Base Stations

One placed on each mat as landing target

Alternative: Hoops, cones, spots

Key Vocabulary

Landing

How we come down and touch the ground after jumping

Shape

The position our body makes in the air

Balance

Staying still and steady without wobbling

Height

How high up something is from the ground

Squeeze

Tightening our muscles to stay strong and still

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic jumping on two feet from the ground
Understanding of personal space
Following simple movement instructions

Current Skills

Jumping and landing from height safely
Creating body shapes in the air
Combining movements in simple sequences

Next Steps

Jumping over obstacles and apparatus
More complex shape combinations
Creating longer movement sequences

Milestone Indicators

Lands with control and no wobbling

Creates clear body shapes in flight

Demonstrates understanding of safety principles

Key Teaching Points

Safety first - always check landing area is clear before jumping
Bend knees on landing like sitting in an invisible chair
Make shapes clear and held long enough to be seen
Squeeze muscles tight to control body and prevent wobbling
Eyes focus on target for accurate landing placement
Progress gradually from simple to complex movements
Celebrate effort and improvement rather than perfection

Common Misconceptions

Thinking harder/higher jumps are always better - emphasise control over height
Believing only perfect landings count - celebrate near misses and improvement
Assuming shapes don't matter - explain how body position affects landing
Thinking speed equals skill - promote controlled, thoughtful movement
Believing some children 'can't do gymnastics' - adapt for all abilities

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear boundaries, frequent positive feedback, movement breaks built into lesson structure

dyspraxia

Extra practice time, simplified sequences, adult support for coordination challenges

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule, consistent routines, quiet space available if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of shapes, physical guidance for positioning, tactile markers on landing areas

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, hand signals for safety, written safety rules displayed

physical disability

Adapt jump height to ability, seated balance alternatives, modified target distances

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Understanding gravity and forces in jumping, muscle control and body systems

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand where you can see all bench stations, move around to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Landing technique, safety compliance, skill progression, confidence levels

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe practices, provide individual skill coaching, manage turn-taking

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, show both correct and incorrect techniques for contrast, involve confident children in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Bend those knees!'
•'Check your mat is clear!'
•'Squeeze those muscles tight!'
•'Eyes on your target!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall space minimum 15m x 10m for bench layout and movement

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, clear of obstacles, adequate ceiling height for jumping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check bench stability and positioning before use
•Ensure mats are properly placed and flat
•Verify base stations are non-slip and appropriate size

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls from height
•Collisions between children
•Poor landing technique causing injury
•Equipment displacement during use

Risk Mitigation

•Clear rotation system with adequate supervision
•Emphasis on safety protocols throughout
•Progressive skill building from ground level
•One child per bench rule strictly enforced

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all benches simultaneously
•Monitor landing areas continuously
•Intervene immediately for unsafe practices

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school procedures if needed