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Lesson 1 - Object Manipulation Skills

Foundation Object Control and Body Awareness

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Reception

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Manipulation & Coordination

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45 min

Big Question

How can we safely control objects while moving around others?

Learning Objectives

To develop spatial awareness and find appropriate spaces for safe movement
To demonstrate increasing control when manipulating objects around different parts of the body
To participate in team games while taking turns and following rules

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to find and use safe spaces independently
Students will show improved control when passing objects around their body
Students will demonstrate turn-taking and teamwork skills in game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls

1 per student (30)

Have ready in baskets at side of area

Alternative: Small balls, scarves, or soft toys

Sun Markers

1 per student (30)

Spread evenly around activity area initially

Alternative: Hoops or chalk circles

Hoops

Place in centre of area for collection games

Alternative: Large circle drawn with chalk

Cones

4-6

Mark corners and boundaries of activity area

Alternative: Other boundary markers

Key Vocabulary

Space

An area away from others where you can move safely

Manipulate

To move or control an object skilfully with your hands

Figure-8

A pattern that looks like the number 8, made by moving an object in loops

Turn-taking

Waiting for your go and respecting others' turns

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of personal space
Ability to follow simple instructions
Experience with basic object handling

Current Skills

Spatial awareness in dynamic environments
Object manipulation around body parts
Turn-taking and team participation

Next Steps

More complex object manipulation patterns
Coordinated movement with object control
Strategic thinking in team games

Milestone Indicators

Consistently finds appropriate spaces within 10 seconds

Demonstrates smooth object manipulation without dropping

Shows leadership qualities in team activities

Key Teaching Points

Spatial awareness is fundamental to all PE activities and safety
Object manipulation develops fine motor skills essential for many curriculum areas
Turn-taking and teamwork skills transfer to all group activities
Self-assessment builds metacognitive awareness from early age
Positive reinforcement encourages continued participation and effort
Progressive skill building ensures all students can achieve success
Safety awareness must be embedded in all movement activities

Common Misconceptions

Children thinking any space is acceptable - emphasise away from others, boundaries, and equipment
Believing faster manipulation is better - focus on control and smoothness over speed
Assuming only 'winning' teams succeeded - celebrate effort, improvement, and teamwork
Thinking mistakes are failures - frame as learning opportunities and practice needs
Expecting immediate mastery - emphasise that learning takes time and practice

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear and immediate feedback

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time, break down movements into smaller steps, use larger equipment for easier manipulation

autism spectrum

Provide clear routines and expectations, offer quiet space if overwhelmed, use visual schedule for lesson structure

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured bean bags, provide verbal descriptions of movements, pair with sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, ensure student can see teacher clearly, use simple hand gestures for commands

physical disability

Modify manipulation to seated position if needed, use larger or different textured objects, adapt throwing distances

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting eggs in team games, understanding numbers, spatial concepts of position and direction

Science

Understanding forces when pushing and sliding objects, exploring movement and friction

Geography

Directional language, spatial awareness, understanding of position relative to others

PSHE

Turn-taking, teamwork, self-assessment, celebrating achievements and effort

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of activity area for clear sight lines to all students

Observation Focus

Watch for spatial awareness, object control progression, and positive team interactions

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggle with space concepts, need help with manipulation patterns, or require support with turn-taking

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for all skills; show both correct and incorrect examples; involve confident students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Find your space!'
•'Soft touches with fingertips!'
•'Keep walking while you pass!'
•'Listen for my signal!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor playground area, minimum 15m x 20m

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from water, obstacles, or hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Bean bags checked for tears or loose filling
•Spots/markers stable and non-slip
•Hoops in good condition without cracks
•All equipment appropriate size for Reception age

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during movement activities
•Slips and falls during dynamic movements
•Objects hitting students during manipulation
•Overexertion during active games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained
•Adequate spacing between students during all activities
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Regular checks on energy levels and participation
•Clear instructions for safe object manipulation

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Move around space to monitor different groups
•Extra attention during team games for fair play
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if incident occurs, assess student, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if needed