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Lesson 6 - Sharks and Fishes Game

Fair Play: Sharks & Fishes

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Reception

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Invasion Games

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45 min

Big Question

How can we work together as a team to attack and defend in games?

Learning Objectives

Apply understanding of attacking (fish) and defending (sharks) in competitive games
Demonstrate teamwork and cooperation when attacking and defending
Follow game rules and understand consequences of breaking them

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully apply attacking and defending strategies in the Sharks and Fishes game
Students will demonstrate fair play and good sportsmanship throughout the lesson
Students will understand the importance of rules and teamwork in games

Equipment & Resources Required

Coloured Bibs

15 (3 different colours for teams)

One colour for each team of 5 players

Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured t-shirts

Cones

16 cones

8 cones for inner square (fish tank), 8 for outer square (ocean)

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, playground markings

Balls

15 (one per fish)

Each fish starts with one tag, sharks return after catching

Alternative: Small hoops, coloured cards, bands

Scorecards

Visible to all teams for score tracking

Alternative: Paper and pen, ground markings

Key Vocabulary

Attacking

When fishes try to score points by staying safe in their area

Defending

When sharks work together to prevent fishes from scoring by catching them

Tagging

A gentle touch to show a fish has been caught by a shark

Teamwork

Working together with friends to achieve the same goal

Fair Play

Playing honestly and following the rules even when no one is watching

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic movement skills - running, dodging, stopping
Understanding of personal space and spatial awareness
Simple following of instructions and rules

Current Skills

Applying attacking and defending concepts in game situations
Working cooperatively in teams
Understanding consequences of actions in games

Next Steps

More complex attacking and defending strategies
Leadership roles in team games
Creating own game rules and variations

Milestone Indicators

Students can explain the difference between attacking and defending

Students demonstrate controlled movement when chasing or escaping

Students show respect for rules and teammates

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise gentle contact only - demonstrate appropriate tagging technique
Focus on teamwork over individual success - sharks must work together
Use spatial awareness - fish should spread out, not bunch together
Celebrate good sportsmanship more than winning
Ensure all students understand attacking means staying safe, defending means preventing points
Build excitement while maintaining safety and fair play
Connect movements to real sea creatures for engagement and understanding

Common Misconceptions

Fish thinking they score by catching sharks - clarify fish score by staying uncaught
Believing only winning team did well - emphasise effort and improvement for all
Thinking rough contact is acceptable - consistently reinforce gentle tagging rules
Assuming attacking means being aggressive - explain attacking as strategic survival
Not understanding team roles - regularly remind of cooperation requirements

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with movement breaks, clear visual boundaries, immediate positive feedback, simple one-step instructions

dyspraxia

Slower movement speeds allowed, larger playing areas, simplified tagging rules, extra practice time for coordination

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson structure, consistent routines, quiet retreat space if needed, advance warning of activity changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of playing areas, buddy system for guidance, audio cues for boundaries

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all instructions, hand signals for game start/stop, written rule cards, clear sight lines to teacher

physical disability

Adapted movement options - rolling ball instead of running, larger target areas, modified tagging rules, wheelchair-accessible spaces

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting points and game attempts, understanding team sizes of 5, basic addition of scores

Science

Understanding movement and forces - how direction changes help escape, why teamwork is effective

Geography

Spatial awareness and understanding of areas, boundaries, and positions relative to others

PSHE

Teamwork, cooperation, dealing with disappointment, celebrating others' success, following rules

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at corner of playing area for optimal view of both fish tank and ocean areas. Move around perimeter during games.

Observation Focus

Watch for appropriate contact during tagging, teamwork development, and understanding of attacking/defending concepts.

Intervention Points

Step in if contact becomes inappropriate, if students become upset, or if rules are not being followed fairly.

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when demonstrating. Always model gentle contact and positive sportsmanship.

Verbal Cues

•'Gentle tags only - like patting a pet!'
•'Fish, spread out and use all your space!'
•'Sharks, work together as a team!'
•'Remember, we're all friends having fun!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m area with clear boundaries. Inner area 8m x 8m, outer area 15m x 15m minimum.

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from hazards. Check for wet spots, obstacles, or debris.

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Cones positioned safely with no sharp edges exposed
•Tags/bean bags checked for wear and damage
•Bibs properly fitted to avoid tripping hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between fast-moving students
•Inappropriate contact during tagging
•Overcrowding in fish tank area
•Slips and falls during direction changes

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and enforced
•Gentle contact rules emphasised and monitored
•Adequate space provided for movement
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of both playing areas
•Monitor tagging contact throughout games
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure fair play and rule adherence

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs. Assess and provide appropriate first aid. Have clear evacuation route planned.