Lesson 4 - Dodging and Spatial Awareness
Movement Mastery Skills
•Year 1
•Fundamental Movement Skills
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How can I move safely around others while dodging and showing agility?
Learning Objectives
- To develop dodging skills with control and safety
- To demonstrate spatial awareness when moving around others
- To show agility, balance and coordination in movement activities
Key Outcomes
- Students will dodge effectively past stationary and moving obstacles
- Students will move safely in shared spaces with awareness of others
- Students will demonstrate improved agility, balance and coordination
Equipment & Resources Required
Ready to distribute to taggers
Alternative: Bands, pinnies, or coloured bean bags
Checked for safety, no hard surfaces
Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls, or soft playground balls
Mark boundaries and starting positions clearly
Alternative: Lines on court, chalk marks, or spots
Key Vocabulary
Moving quickly to one side to avoid someone or something
Knowing where you are in relation to other people and objects
The ability to move quickly and easily, changing direction smoothly
Using different parts of your body together smoothly
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic walking and running skills
- Understanding of personal space
- Following simple movement instructions
Current Skills
- Dodging left and right with control
- Moving safely in shared spaces
- Demonstrating agility, balance and coordination
Next Steps
- Dodging in game situations with pressure
- Complex movement patterns and sequences
- Leading others in movement activities
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise controlled movement over speed throughout the lesson
- Consistently reinforce spatial awareness and safety with others
- Build confidence through progressive challenge levels
- Use specific, positive feedback to reinforce good technique
- Celebrate both effort and achievement equally
- Link dodging skills to real-life spatial awareness applications
- Maintain high expectations for cooperation and fair play
Common Misconceptions
- Faster is always better - emphasise control over speed
- Dodging means running away - teach it's about changing direction sharply
- Only athletic children can dodge well - show it's about technique not fitness
- Spatial awareness is natural - explain it can be learned and improved
- Games are just for fun - highlight skill development happening through play
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks built in
dyspraxia
- Slower progressions, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time for coordination
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, predictable routines
visual impairment
- Use tactile boundaries, clear verbal descriptions of activities, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations, hand signals for start/stop, clear visual boundaries
physical disability
- Modified distances, seated or supported versions, adapted tagging games
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting in games, understanding of distance (one metre), directional language (left/right)
Science
Forces when pushing off to dodge, balance and centre of gravity, reaction times
Geography
Compass directions (North, South, East, West), spatial relationships and positioning
PSHE
Cooperation and fairness, celebrating others' success, perseverance when learning new skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around activity area to observe all students, position near centre during crossing activities
Observation Focus
Watch for quality of dodging technique, spatial awareness, and safety consciousness
Intervention Points
Step in if unsafe movement observed, provide individual guidance for struggling students
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to show techniques clearly, involve confident students in demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Eyes up!'
- •'Sharp dodge!'
- •'Gentle tags only!'
- •'Find your space!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m clear area for games and movement activities
Surface Check
Non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Soft balls only - no hard surfaces
- •Bibs checked for tears or sharp edges
- •Cones positioned safely away from activity areas
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during fast movement
- •Falls from sudden direction changes
- •Overexcitement leading to rough play
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and maintained
- •Progressive speed increases only when ready
- •Emphasis on controlled movement throughout
- •Underarm throwing technique only
- •Immediate stop commands when needed
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all students during activities
- •Move around space during games
- •Monitor for signs of overexertion
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply basic first aid, contact office if needed