Start Planning Better PE Lessons

Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.

What's included

  • Complete activity instructions & timing
  • Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
  • Assessment guidance & success criteria
  • Downloadable lessons & units
No credit card
Free forever
Big Question

How can I use my body to jump safely in different ways and help my friends catch a ball?

Learning Objectives

  • To demonstrate jumping in a variety of ways using correct technique
  • To land safely from different types of jumps with soft knees
  • To combine running and jumping movements with control

Key Outcomes

  • Students will be able to perform two-footed jumps with safe landing technique
  • Students will demonstrate at least three different jumping patterns
  • Students will show understanding of how arms and legs work together in jumping

Equipment & Resources Required

Sun Markers
20-30 markers

Spread across activity area for individual practice space

Alternative: Chalk to draw lines, rope laid on ground

Small Balls
6 balls (5 same colour, 1 different)

Ready for chase game, one special coloured ball for rescuer

Alternative: Bean bags, soft play balls

PE Equipment
Varies - see setup

Create stations around activity area

Alternative: Cones, spots, chalk markings

SAQ Ladders
2-3 ladders

Laid flat for footwork practice

Alternative: Chalk ladder markings, rope squares

Hurdles
4-6 low obstacles

Heights appropriate for Year 1 - maximum 15cm high

Alternative: Cones with pool noodles, rope at low height

Music Player
1 with clear sound

Positioned for whole class to hear clearly

Alternative: Teacher voice commands, whistle signals

Key Vocabulary

Two-footed jump

Jumping with both feet together, landing on both feet at the same time

Soft landing

Landing with bent knees to absorb the impact safely

Take-off foot

The foot you prefer to push off from when jumping

W shape

Hand position for catching - thumbs together forming a W

Scissor kick

Jumping with legs moving like scissors - one forward, one back

Run-up

Short running steps before jumping to build momentum

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic hopping on one foot
  • Simple two-footed jumps on the spot
  • Understanding of personal space

Current Skills

  • Jumping in multiple directions with control
  • Safe landing technique with bent knees
  • Combining run-up with jumping movements
  • Making catching position with hands

Next Steps

  • Jumping for distance and height measurements
  • Long jump technique with run-up
  • Jumping with equipment and obstacles

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistently lands with soft knees
2
Can perform three different jump types
3
Shows coordination between arms and legs
4
Demonstrates spatial awareness during jumping activities

Key Teaching Points

  • Two-footed take-off and landing for safety and power
  • Soft knee landing technique to absorb impact safely
  • Arm swing coordination to enhance jumping performance
  • W-shaped hand position for effective catching
  • Spatial awareness during movement and games
  • Progressive skill development from basic to advanced techniques
  • Application of skills in varied game contexts

Common Misconceptions

  • Children thinking jumping higher is always better than controlled technique
  • Belief that landing hard shows more power or effort
  • Confusion between running speed and jumping control
  • Misunderstanding that catching requires grabbing rather than shaped hands
  • Thinking all jumping should be forwards only
  • Believing that advanced skills are required for success

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Short activity bursts with variety, clear boundaries marked, regular positive feedback, movement breaks as needed
dyspraxia
  • Simplified movement patterns, extra demonstration time, larger target areas, additional practice opportunities
autism spectrum
  • Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed, predictable transitions
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured markers for jumping lines, verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
  • Clear visual demonstrations of all techniques, written instructions displayed, visual signals for commands
physical disability
  • Adapted jumping distances, seated jumping alternatives, modified equipment heights, individual support

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following multi-step instructions, vocabulary development (take-off, landing, scissors), reciting nursery rhymes

Maths

Counting letters in names during games, measuring jumping distances, understanding patterns in hopscotch

Science

Forces in jumping (push, gravity), body parts and movement, understanding impact and absorption

PSHE

Building confidence, supporting others, honest self-assessment, celebrating different achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Circulate around jumping areas during practice, central position for demonstrations and discussions

Observation Focus

Landing technique quality, spatial awareness, progress in skill variety, cooperation during games

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe landing patterns develop, support children struggling with coordination, manage game flow to ensure inclusion

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, involve children who demonstrate good technique, emphasise safety throughout

Verbal Cues
  • •'Soft knees on landing!'
  • •'Swing those arms to help!'
  • •'Make a W shape for catching!'
  • •'Look where you're going!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m outdoor space or large hall with clear sight lines

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from holes, stones, or other tripping hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • •All jumping equipment at appropriate height for Year 1 (maximum 15cm)
  • •Cones and markers positioned to avoid collision risks
  • •Balls properly inflated and checked for damage
  • •Agility ladders flat and secure

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • •Falls from poor landing technique
  • •Collisions during chase games
  • •Trips over equipment or markers
  • •Overexertion during continuous activity
Risk Mitigation
  • •Emphasis on soft landing technique throughout
  • •Clear boundaries and safe movement principles
  • •Adequate spacing between activities and children
  • •Progressive skill building from basic to advanced
  • •Regular reminders about spatial awareness

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • •Position for maximum visibility during jumping practice
  • •Monitor closely during advanced techniques like scissor kicks
  • •Ensure adequate spacing during chase games
  • •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact medical support if needed