Lesson 6 - Coordination with Skipping
Confident Movers Mastery
•Year 1
•Fundamental Movement Skills
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can rhythm and jumping patterns help us become better movers?
Learning Objectives
- To develop co-ordination through French skipping activities
- To improve jumping and landing control using rhythm
- To work collaboratively to create jumping patterns
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate controlled jumping and landing with some balance
- Students will follow simple rhythmic patterns in movement
- Students will work cooperatively to create and remember jumping sequences
Equipment & Resources Required
Scattered around teaching area with adequate spacing
Alternative: Coloured spots, bean bags, or small hoops
Each rope approximately 3-4 metres in length
Alternative: Long elastic bands, skipping ropes tied together, or ribbon
Key Vocabulary
A regular pattern of movement or sound
Using different parts of your body together smoothly
A jumping game using an elastic rope held by two people
A sequence that repeats in the same order
Standing with legs wide apart on either side of something
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic jumping with two feet together
- Understanding of personal space
- Following simple instructions
Current Skills
- Jumping with rhythm and control
- Landing safely with bent knees
- Creating simple movement patterns
- Working cooperatively in small groups
Next Steps
- More complex jumping sequences
- Partner and group coordination activities
- Introduction to dance and rhythmic movement
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Land on balls of feet with bent knees for safe, controlled jumping
- Use 'jump, bend, jump, bend' rhythm to develop coordination and timing
- Everyone contributes to group decisions for fair and inclusive collaboration
- Start with simple patterns before progressing to complex sequences
- French skipping develops coordination, memory, and social skills together
- Quality of movement more important than speed or complexity
- Encourage and celebrate effort and improvement rather than just achievement
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking you need to jump high to be good - focus on control and rhythm instead
- Believing only sporty children can do French skipping - it's about practice and cooperation
- Assuming girls' activities aren't suitable for boys - French skipping develops skills for all sports
- Thinking you must do patterns perfectly first time - learning takes practice and mistakes help
- Only the loudest voice should decide group patterns - everyone's ideas are valuable
- Rope must be held very tight - slight tension is better for jumping
- Landing heavily shows power - soft landings show better control and technique
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, specific roles in group work
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, larger targets, step-by-step instruction breakdown
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available, consistent language and instructions
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured ropes, provide verbal descriptions of all movements, buddy system for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Use visual cues and demonstrations, written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher's mouth for rhythm
physical disability
- Seated jumping variations, upper body rhythm activities, modified rope heights, alternative patterns for wheelchairs
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Learning and reciting traditional rhymes, following complex instructions, collaborative discussion skills
Science
Forces and motion in jumping, balance and coordination, understanding how body parts work together
PSHE
Cooperation and teamwork, including others, managing emotions during challenge, celebrating success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups to observe technique and support collaboration, stand where all groups visible
Observation Focus
Watch for controlled landings, rhythm awareness, group cooperation, and safe equipment use
Intervention Points
Step in if unsafe jumping technique observed, groups struggling with cooperation, or equipment being misused
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to show technique, involve students in demonstrations, repeat key points regularly
Verbal Cues
- •'Bend those knees!'
- •'Land like a cat - softly!'
- •'Listen to the rhythm!'
- •'Everyone's ideas matter!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m indoor space or equivalent outdoor area, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Non-slip, even surface suitable for jumping activities, free from hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check elastic ropes for wear or damage before use
- •Ensure base stations have no sharp edges
- •Verify adequate spacing between activity groups
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during movement activities
- •Falls during jumping
- •Rope tangling between groups
- •Overexertion from continuous jumping
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and spacing established between groups
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
- •Regular rotation between jumping and holding rope
- •Emphasis on controlled landing technique
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups
- •Monitor jumping technique for safe landing
- •Watch for fatigue in rope holders
- •Ensure fair turn-taking in all groups
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, clear area if necessary