Lesson 2 - Stopping Safely and Space Awareness
Confidence & Social Skills
•Reception
•Intro to PE
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we move around safely and stop quickly when playing games?
Learning Objectives
- To develop the ability to stop safely in a controlled manner
- To negotiate space safely whilst moving at different speeds
- To demonstrate good control and coordination in movements
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to stop quickly and safely on command
- Students will move confidently around others without collisions
- Students will understand what makes a safe space for movement
Equipment & Resources Required
Scattered around area with 2-3m spacing for jumping activities
Alternative: Bean bags, hoops, or carpet squares
Key Vocabulary
An area where you can move without bumping into others or obstacles
Stop immediately and stay completely still like a statue
Standing steady with feet apart and knees slightly bent
To move around or past something safely
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic walking and running movements
- Understanding of personal space concept
- Ability to follow simple instructions
Current Skills
- Controlled stopping from movement
- Spatial awareness whilst moving
- Safe negotiation around obstacles and people
Next Steps
- Stopping at specific points and positions
- More complex directional changes
- Introduction to simple ball skills with movement
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always use 'and freeze' command to give preparation time
- Emphasise balanced stopping position with bent knees
- Constantly reinforce safe space awareness through arm checks
- Use freeze response as ongoing assessment opportunity
- Model perfect technique through demonstration
- Connect all activities back to stopping safely concept
- Maintain enthusiasm while prioritising safety throughout
Common Misconceptions
- Children thinking 'freeze' means slow down rather than stop immediately
- Believing safe space is just about avoiding people, not obstacles too
- Assuming they can stop instantly from any speed without technique
- Not understanding that balance requires wide feet and bent knees
- Thinking games are just for fun, not learning opportunities
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Use shorter activity bursts, provide clear physical boundaries, offer additional movement breaks as needed
dyspraxia
- Break down movements into smaller steps, provide extra practice time, use larger equipment for easier success
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routine and structure, use visual schedule for activities, offer quiet space if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use verbal cues for all movements, buddy system for spatial awareness, physical guidance for cone placement
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals alongside verbal commands, demonstrate all movements clearly, tap shoulder for attention
physical disability
- Modify movements to seated or supported versions, use rolling instead of jumping, ensure wheelchair accessible space
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting steps in Mr Wolf game, number recognition with times called out, understanding of more/less with step numbers
Science
Understanding forces when stopping and starting, balance and stability concepts, cause and effect in movement
PSHE
Following rules for safety, cooperation in games, managing excitement and emotions, respect for others' space
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter to maintain visual contact with all children, stay near wolf during game
Observation Focus
Watch for safe stopping technique, spatial awareness, and response to commands
Intervention Points
Step in if children not maintaining safe space, poor stopping technique, or not following freeze commands
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to show contrast between good and poor technique, model perfect freeze response, show balanced stopping position
Verbal Cues
- •'Remember to look up and find safe spaces!'
- •'Brilliant freezing - like statues!'
- •'Bend those knees when you land!'
- •'Listen for the 'and' before freeze!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, dry and even, suitable for running and jumping
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Cones checked for damage and sharp edges
- •Equipment distributed safely to avoid congestion
- •Clear storage area for collection
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during movement activities
- •Falls when jumping over cones
- •Loss of control during stopping
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and adequate spacing established
- •Progressive skill building from walking to running
- •Constant reinforcement of safety rules
- •Teacher positioned for maximum visibility
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all children during movement
- •Stay close to wolf during game for guidance
- •Monitor jumping activities for technique
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support as needed