🤝

Lesson 1 - Balloon Handling and Control

Obj Control & Movement Basics

•

Reception

•

Manipulation & Coordination

•

30 min

Big Question

How can we use our hands to control and move balloons in different ways?

Learning Objectives

Copy, repeat and practise a variety of balloon handling activities
Coordinate limbs to carry out defined movements and actions with balloons
Work cooperatively with a partner to keep balloons moving

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate basic balloon control using palm strikes
Students will show coordination in bilateral movements with balloons
Students will work together to keep balloons airborne cooperatively

Equipment & Resources Required

Balloons

1 per child + 5-6 spares

Pre-inflate all balloons before lesson. Have pump ready for replacements

Alternative: Large beach balls, soft play balls if balloons unavailable

Music Player

Test volume levels, choose music with clear 4/4 beat

Alternative: Drumbeat app, counting aloud if no music available

Cones

4-6 cones

Set up in line to create 'net' for partner activity

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk line on floor

Key Vocabulary

Palm strike

Hitting with the flat part of your hand

Track

Following something with your eyes as it moves

Cooperate

Working together with someone else

Bilateral

Using both sides of your body

Control

Making something go where you want it to go

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hand-eye coordination from Nursery activities
Understanding of following simple instructions
Experience with gentle object handling

Current Skills

Palm striking technique for balloon control
Bilateral coordination movements
Partner cooperation and sharing

Next Steps

More complex object manipulation with different equipment
Advanced partner and group coordination activities
Introduction to simple games with rules

Milestone Indicators

Consistent palm contact with balloon

Ability to track and follow balloon movement

Successful cooperation in partner activities

Key Teaching Points

Always use gentle palm strikes rather than fingertips for balloon control
Encourage visual tracking - eyes must follow the balloon at all times
Emphasise bilateral coordination - use both left and right sides equally
Model and reinforce cooperation and turn-taking in partner activities
Maintain calm, controlled movements throughout all activities
Celebrate attempts and progress rather than just successful outcomes
Use balloon properties to teach about air, lightness and gentle control

Common Misconceptions

That balloons can be hit hard like balls - teach gentle control instead
That faster movements are better - emphasise slow, controlled actions
That individual work is easier than partner work - show how cooperation helps everyone
That dropping the balloon means failure - frame as learning opportunities
That only one 'right way' exists - encourage exploration within safety guidelines

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries marked with cones, regular movement breaks

dyspraxia

Larger balloons, simplified movements, extra time for skill development, adult support for complex activities

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule, predictable routine, quiet space available if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balloons, verbal descriptions of balloon position, tactile guidance for hand placement

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, hand signals for counting, partner buddy for instructions

physical disability

Seated balloon activities, larger balloons for easier handling, adapted catching with containers

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting to 8 with rhythm, recognising patterns in movement, understanding figure 8 shape

Science

Exploring air and how balloons move differently from solid objects, cause and effect

PSHE

Cooperation and sharing, taking turns, building confidence through achievement

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position with clear sight lines to all students, able to move quickly to any area

Observation Focus

Watch for gentle balloon control, safe movement patterns, positive partner interactions

Intervention Points

Step in if students getting overexcited, if balloons popping, if partners not cooperating well

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated gentle movements, show clear technique, involve students in demonstrations when safe

Verbal Cues

•'Gentle touches only!'
•'Track that balloon with your eyes!'
•'Work together, take turns!'
•'Slow and controlled movements!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor space minimum 10m x 10m, clear of obstacles with high ceiling (3m+)

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, clear of any sharp objects, adequate space for balloon movement

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all balloons are properly inflated - not over-inflated
•Have spare balloons ready for immediate replacement if popping occurs
•Remove any balloon pieces immediately if popping occurs
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or points

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Balloon popping causing sharp pieces
•Students colliding while chasing balloons
•Slipping when reaching for balloons
•Overexcitement leading to loss of control

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for movement
•Adequate spacing between students maintained
•Immediate removal of any balloon debris
•Clear instructions for gentle movements only
•Adult supervision of all balloon handling

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all students simultaneously
•Monitor for any balloon popping incidents
•Watch for safe movement patterns during partner work
•Ensure students maintain control during activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if balloon pops, ensure all pieces collected, check students for any distress, have replacement balloon ready