🎓

Lesson 1 - Jumping and Skipping Skills

Core Skills Through Play

•

Year 1

•

Fundamental Movement Skills

•

45 min

Big Question

How can we use our bodies to jump and skip in different ways safely?

Learning Objectives

To develop jumping skills using a variety of techniques
To learn basic rope skipping techniques with control
To understand timing and coordination when jumping with equipment

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate different jumping patterns with control
Students will attempt rope skipping showing awareness of timing
Students will work safely in shared spaces during movement activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Ropes

8 (for groups of 4)

Check rope lengths - should reach from armpit to floor when standing on middle

Alternative: Long ropes for group activities, resistance bands

Hoops

15 (1 per pair initially)

Spread around activity area with safe spacing

Alternative: Chalk circles, carpet tiles

Balls

Tie securely to rope ends for pendulum activity

Alternative: Small balls, weighted objects

Tunnel Systems

Ensure clear audio across activity space

Alternative: Drumbeat, counting aloud

Cones

Mark clear activity boundaries and safety zones

Alternative: Markers, existing court lines

Key Vocabulary

Skip

A movement combining a step and a hop on the same foot

Two-footed jump

Jumping and landing with both feet together

Tuck jump

Jumping while bringing knees up towards chest

Star jump

Jumping with arms and legs spread wide like a star

Timing

Choosing the right moment to jump when the rope approaches

Pendulum

A rope swinging back and forth like a clock pendulum

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic jumping on the spot with two feet
Understanding of personal space
Following simple movement instructions

Current Skills

Jumping with varied techniques and patterns
Basic rope skipping coordination
Timing jumps with moving equipment

Next Steps

Advanced skipping patterns and tricks
Partner rope turning and jumping
Creating jumping sequences to music

Milestone Indicators

Consistent two-footed jumping without losing balance

Successful rope clearing for 3+ consecutive jumps

Demonstrating different jump patterns on command

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise soft landings with bent knees throughout all jumping activities
Rope skipping starts with wrist action, not whole arm movement
Timing is everything - watch the rope approach before jumping
Cooperation and sharing are as important as individual skill development
Progress from stationary to moving ropes gradually
Celebrate effort and improvement rather than just achievement
Maintain safety through clear boundaries and constant supervision

Common Misconceptions

Children thinking they need to jump very high for rope skipping - teach minimal jump height
Belief that rope skipping is too difficult for Year 1 - break it down into manageable steps
Assumption that everyone should achieve the same level - emphasise individual progress
Thinking that falling over means failure - frame it as part of learning process
Misconception that faster rope turning is better - emphasise control and timing over speed

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks built into structure

dyspraxia

Larger, slower-moving equipment, extra practice time, step-by-step breakdown of complex movements

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet area available for breaks

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured ropes and equipment, verbal descriptions of rope position, buddy system for support

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all movements, hand signals for start/stop, written instruction cards

physical disability

Seated jumping variations, adapted equipment heights, alternative upper body movements

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, describing movements, learning new vocabulary (skip, pendulum, tuck jump)

Maths

Counting successful jumps, timing intervals, measuring rope lengths, recognising patterns in movement

Science

Understanding forces in jumping - push and gravity, observing action and reaction, muscles and movement

PSHE

Cooperation and sharing, persistence when learning new skills, celebrating others' achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location during whole-class activities, circulating during partner work to provide individual support

Observation Focus

Jumping technique, timing with ropes, cooperation during partner activities, signs of fatigue

Intervention Points

Step in if children struggling with basic jumping technique, if safety concerns arise, or if cooperation breaks down

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, break down complex skills into simple steps, model positive language and encouragement

Verbal Cues

•'Watch the rope, jump when it gets to your feet!'
•'Soft landings, bend those knees!'
•'Turn from your wrists, not your whole arms!'
•'Share the space nicely with your partner!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m clear space, preferably sports hall or large playground area

Surface Check

Non-slip, even surface free from obstacles, puddles, or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check rope handles are secure and not damaged
•Ensure bean bags are firmly attached to ropes
•Hoops lying flat with no sharp edges
•Balls are appropriate size and not over-inflated

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Trips and falls from jumping activities
•Collisions between children in shared spaces
•Rope entanglement or whipping
•Overexertion from intensive jumping

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activities
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Constant supervision during rope activities
•Regular checks for fatigue and appropriate rest breaks

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all children
•Move between groups during partner activities
•Monitor individual skipping attempts closely

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if necessary