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Lesson 7 - Individual Rope 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 we develop rhythm and coordination through skipping to become confident movers?

Learning Objectives

To develop individual rope turning technique with proper form
To demonstrate jumping movements with increasing control and rhythm
To show perseverance when learning challenging movement skills

Key Outcomes

Students will turn a rope with correct hand position and wrist action
Students will demonstrate jumping movements with two-foot landings
Students will attempt skipping combinations showing determination and resilience

Equipment & Resources Required

Ropes

4-6 ropes

Check rope length - handles should reach armpits when standing on centre

Alternative: Hula hoops for easier practice, resistance bands as backup

Speed Ladders

2-3 ladders

Place around activity area for differentiation support

Alternative: Chalk squares drawn on playground, carpet tiles

Cones

Mark safe spacing areas and activity zones

Alternative: Bean bags, hoops

Key Vocabulary

Skipping

Jumping over a rope as it passes under your feet and over your head

Wrist action

Small circular movements of the wrists to turn the rope

Rhythm

The steady beat or pattern of movement

Ball of foot

The padded area at the front of your foot for landing

Perseverance

Continuing to try even when something is difficult

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic jumping with two feet together
Simple coordination movements
Understanding of personal space

Current Skills

Rope turning technique development
Jump-timing coordination
Rhythm and balance integration

Next Steps

Advanced skipping patterns and combinations
Partner and group skipping activities
Speed and endurance development

Milestone Indicators

Consistent rope turning without tangling

Coordinated jump timing with rope rhythm

Demonstrating resilience when facing challenges

Key Teaching Points

Rope turning comes from wrist action, not large arm movements
Landing on balls of feet creates soft, controlled contact
Turn the rope first, then jump - don't try to do both simultaneously
Perseverance and practice are more important than immediate success
Every attempt contributes to skill development and should be celebrated
Proper spacing prevents rope collisions and maintains safety
Rhythm and timing can be developed through graduated challenges

Common Misconceptions

Thinking skipping requires perfect coordination immediately - address by showing progression steps
Believing that struggling means you're 'bad' at skipping - emphasise that challenge indicates learning
Assuming rope turning requires big arm movements - demonstrate wrist action clearly
Thinking landing heavily shows power - explain that soft landings show better control
Believing only 'natural' athletes can skip well - share examples of improvement through practice

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with regular position changes, clear visual boundaries, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger handled ropes, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step visual guides

autism spectrum

Clear visual routine cards, quiet practice spaces available, predictable activity structure

visual impairment

Use rope with bells or textured handles, verbal descriptions of technique, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with exaggerated movements, hand signals for rhythm, written instruction cards

physical disability

Seated rope turning practice, modified jumping activities, alternative equipment like resistance bands

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting skips in sequences, recognising patterns in jumping rhythms, measuring rope lengths and timing

Science

Understanding forces during jumping and landing, exploring how practice affects muscle memory and coordination

Geography

Discussing different countries where skipping games are popular, exploring cultural variations in rope games

PSHE

Resilience and perseverance, supporting others during challenges, managing emotions when facing difficulties

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the activity area maintaining sight of all students, positioning near students who need most support

Observation Focus

Watch for correct rope turning technique, safe landing patterns, and emotional responses to challenges

Intervention Points

Step in when students show unsafe technique, signs of frustration, or need encouragement to persevere

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Exaggerate key techniques for clear visibility, use slow motion for complex skills, show common mistakes and corrections

Verbal Cues

•'Turn from your wrists, not your whole arms!'
•'Land like a bouncy ball on the balls of your feet!'
•'Turn first, then jump - don't rush!'
•'Every attempt makes you stronger!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m indoor space with 2m height clearance, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from water, debris, or trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check rope handles are secure and not cracked
•Ensure rope lengths are appropriate for each student
•Verify ropes are untangled and free from knots

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Rope entanglement around students
•Collisions between students during activities
•Heavy landings causing injury
•Rope handles striking other students

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear spacing guidelines and boundaries
•Teach proper landing technique emphasis throughout
•Monitor rope handling and provide immediate correction
•Maintain awareness of all students during group activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all skipping areas
•Monitor single-foot activities closely for balance issues
•Watch for signs of frustration or fatigue

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, ensure clear access for emergency services if needed