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Big Question

How can we use our bodies to move in different ways through the air?

Learning Objectives

  • To develop and explore jumping, hopping and skipping actions
  • To demonstrate control and balance during locomotor movements
  • To understand the difference between jumping, hopping and skipping patterns

Key Outcomes

  • Students will perform jumping, hopping and skipping with improved technique
  • Students will demonstrate balance and control when landing
  • Students will work cooperatively with partners to improve movement skills

Equipment & Resources Required

Base Stations
1 per student (30)

Distributed throughout teaching area for personal space

Alternative: Cones, hoops, or bean bags as markers

Key Vocabulary

Jumping

Taking off from two feet and landing on two feet

Hopping

Taking off from one foot and landing on the same foot

Skipping

Step-hop pattern alternating between left and right legs

Landing

How we touch down after being in the air

Balance

Staying steady and controlled during and after movement

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic walking and running movements
  • Two-footed jumping from standing
  • Understanding of personal space

Current Skills

  • Controlled jumping in different directions
  • Single-leg hopping with balance
  • Introduction to skipping pattern
  • Coordinating arms and legs for locomotion

Next Steps

  • Advanced skipping with rhythm
  • Combining locomotor skills in sequences
  • Using locomotor skills in games and activities

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent two-footed landing with bent knees
2
Hopping 5+ times on each foot without losing balance
3
Attempting step-hop pattern of skipping
4
Moving safely around others while practicing skills

Key Teaching Points

  • Two-footed takeoff and landing for jumping - emphasise 'springs in knees'
  • Single-leg takeoff and landing for hopping - maintain balance throughout
  • Step-hop pattern for skipping - break down rhythm clearly
  • Forward eye focus for balance - never look down at feet
  • Soft, controlled landings - bend knees on impact
  • Coordinate arms with leg movements for efficiency and balance
  • Partner communication and feedback - positive and constructive

Common Misconceptions

  • Thinking hopping and jumping are the same - clarify one foot vs two feet clearly
  • Believing faster always means better - emphasise control over speed
  • Assuming skipping is just fast running - teach step-hop pattern explicitly
  • Looking down to see landing - explain how this affects balance
  • Hard landings show power - teach that soft landings show control

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter activity bursts with clear goals, regular movement breaks, clear boundaries and expectations
dyspraxia
  • Break down movements into smaller steps, provide extra practice time, use larger equipment for spatial reference
autism spectrum
  • Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured base stations, provide verbal cues for spatial awareness, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
  • Use visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards available
physical disability
  • Adapt movements to seated or supported versions, use different equipment heights, modify distances

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development with movement terms, following and giving instructions clearly

Science

Understanding forces in jumping - push and pull, gravity and landing

PSHE

Partnership skills, giving and receiving feedback constructively, resilience when learning new skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around periphery to observe all students, position centrally for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Landing technique, balance control, partner cooperation, understanding of skill differences

Intervention Points

Step in when technique is unsafe, support struggling students, facilitate positive partner interactions

Demonstration Notes

Show each skill clearly with exaggerated technique, repeat demonstrations as needed, use student helpers for peer demonstration

Verbal Cues
  • •'Bend your knees like springs!'
  • •'Eyes forward, not down!'
  • •'Soft landings!'
  • •'Step-hop, step-hop!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

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

Surface Check

Non-slip surface essential for safe landing from jumps and hops

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • •Base stations checked for stability and no sharp edges
  • •Adequate spacing between markers to prevent collisions

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • •Falls from uncontrolled landings
  • •Collisions during partner activities
  • •Fatigue affecting balance and control
  • •Ankle injuries from poor landing technique
Risk Mitigation
  • •Emphasise bent-knee landings throughout lesson
  • •Adequate spacing between students during all activities
  • •Progressive skill building from basic to complex movements
  • •Regular technique reminders and demonstrations
  • •Monitor for signs of fatigue and provide rest as needed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • •Position to observe landing technique during jumping activities
  • •Monitor partner interactions during Cross the Stream challenge
  • •Watch for students attempting movements beyond their ability
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any falls or injuries, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact school procedures if required