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Lesson 6 - Coordination with Skipping

Confident Movers Mastery

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Year 1

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Fundamental Movement Skills

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45 min

Big Question

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

Base Stations

Scattered around teaching area with adequate spacing

Alternative: Coloured spots, bean bags, or small hoops

Skipping Rope

Each rope approximately 3-4 metres in length

Alternative: Long elastic bands, skipping ropes tied together, or ribbon

Key Vocabulary

Rhythm

A regular pattern of movement or sound

Co-ordination

Using different parts of your body together smoothly

French skipping

A jumping game using an elastic rope held by two people

Pattern

A sequence that repeats in the same order

Straddle

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

Consistent controlled landings on balls of feet

Ability to maintain rhythm throughout activity

Successful collaboration in pattern creation

Transfer of jumping skills to other activities

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