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Big Question

How can we move safely through space while being aware of others around us?

Learning Objectives

  • To develop spatial awareness and safe movement patterns
  • To understand basic principles of dodging and avoiding others
  • To practice moving with control and awareness in shared spaces

Key Outcomes

  • Students will move safely through space showing awareness of others
  • Students will demonstrate basic dodging techniques with control
  • Students will show understanding of why careful movement is important in PE

Equipment & Resources Required

Coloured Bean Bags
15 (2 different colours)

Distributed to teams for noughts and crosses

Alternative: Small foam blocks, coloured discs

Cones
1 set

For marking noughts and crosses grid on floor

Alternative: Cones to mark squares, tape

Coloured Cones
8 (4 of each colour)

Placed at feet of opposite lines

Alternative: Coloured markers, bean bags

Softballs
4-6

For boulder throwing game

Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls

Sun Markers
8-10

Mark safe areas and throwing lines

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope

Key Vocabulary

Ready position

Standing with knees slightly bent, weight on balls of feet, arms ready for balance

Dodge

To quickly move to one side to avoid someone or something

Spatial awareness

Being aware of where you are and where others are around you

Control

Moving your body in a careful, planned way

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic walking and running skills
  • Understanding of simple instructions
  • Awareness of personal space

Current Skills

  • Spatial awareness while moving
  • Basic dodging techniques
  • Safe movement with control

Next Steps

  • More complex dodging patterns
  • Introduction to ball skills with movement
  • Team-based invasion game concepts

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent safe movement without collisions
2
Controlled dodging movements
3
Awareness of others during movement

Key Teaching Points

  • Always emphasise safety and controlled movement over speed
  • Use progressive skill building from walking to jogging
  • Celebrate effort and improvement rather than just outcome
  • Link movement skills to real-life situations and safety
  • Encourage spatial awareness through constant verbal reminders
  • Make games inclusive by providing multiple ways to succeed
  • Use positive reinforcement to build confidence in movement

Common Misconceptions

  • Faster movement is always better - emphasise control over speed
  • Dodging means going around - teach direct side-stepping technique
  • Only the winner matters in games - celebrate participation and effort
  • PE is just about running around - highlight skill development and learning
  • You need to be naturally good at movement - emphasise that skills can be learned

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, simple rule reminders
dyspraxia
  • Slower movement speeds, simplified coordination tasks, extra practice time, adult support for complex movements
autism spectrum
  • Clear routines and predictable structure, visual schedules, quiet spaces available, reduced sensory input options
visual impairment
  • Use bright coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of space, tactile boundaries, buddy system for navigation
hearing impairment
  • Visual signals for game starts, clear demonstrations, written/picture instruction cards
physical disability
  • Modify movement requirements, seated dodging variations, wheelchair-accessible paths

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting bean bags and points, understanding compass directions (North, South, East, West), spatial relationships

Science

Understanding how our bodies move, effects of exercise on heart rate and breathing

Geography

Compass directions and navigation, understanding position and movement

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, following rules, respecting others' space and safety

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for optimal visibility, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for spatial awareness, controlled movement, and cooperative behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in if children become too competitive, unsafe movement occurs, or rules are not understood

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, involve children in demonstrations, repeat key points

Verbal Cues
  • 'Heads up, eyes looking ahead!'
  • 'Step to the side and transfer your weight!'
  • 'Safety first, control your speed!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m clear space for movement activities

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles and slip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Soft balls checked for damage
  • Cones have no sharp edges or cracks
  • Bean bags intact with no loose filling

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Collisions during crossing activities
  • Falls during dodging practice
  • Equipment-related injuries from throwing games
Risk Mitigation
  • Clear movement rules established and enforced
  • Controlled speed progressions
  • Adequate spacing between activities
  • Soft equipment only for throwing

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position for maximum visibility of all children
  • Special attention during crossing activities
  • Monitor game intensity and competition levels
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess any injuries, apply appropriate first aid, seek additional support if needed