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Lesson 6 - Threading and Object Control

Object Control Basics

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Year 1

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Fundamental Movement Skills

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use our hands skilfully to control objects and work carefully?

Learning Objectives

To develop fine motor control through threading activities
To negotiate space successfully whilst carrying objects
To understand the effects of exercise on the body

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved object control and threading skills
Students will show they can work carefully without rushing
Students will understand why their body changes during exercise

Equipment & Resources Required

Jenga blocks or building blocks

90 pieces

Place in pile 20m from starting line

Alternative: Large wooden blocks, foam blocks

Threading Needle

15 (1 per pair)

Check for safety - no sharp points

Alternative: Thick cocktail sticks, pipe cleaners with stiff ends

Tag Belts

60 (2 per child)

Ensure easy to tuck into waistbands

Alternative: Coloured ribbons, fabric strips

Curtain Rings with Attached Strings

15 pieces (50cm each)

Tie large knot at one end of each piece

Alternative: Shoe laces, thick wool

Straws

200 pieces (cut to 6cm)

Pre-cut to ensure uniform size

Alternative: Pasta tubes, cardboard tubes

Large Bolts

100-150

Ensure holes are large enough for threading

Alternative: Large beads, wooden cylinders with holes

Plastic Cones

Check for cracks or sharp edges

Alternative: Wooden spoons, table tennis bats

Golf Balls

Golf balls recommended for better balance challenge

Alternative: Table tennis balls, bean bags

Cones

Mark start and finish points clearly

Alternative: Markers, bean bags

Hoops

For holding threading materials

Alternative: Buckets, containers

Key Vocabulary

Thread

To pass string or thread through holes in objects

Negotiate space

Moving around safely without bumping into others or objects

Object control

Being able to handle and manipulate objects skilfully

Balance

Keeping steady whilst holding or carrying something

Fine motor skills

Small, precise movements using fingers and hands

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running and stopping skills
Simple object manipulation
Following simple instructions

Current Skills

Fine motor control through threading
Object manipulation whilst moving
Spatial awareness in game situations

Next Steps

More complex object control tasks
Advanced spatial awareness games
Team-based threading challenges

Milestone Indicators

Threads objects without dropping

Maintains balance whilst carrying objects

Shows patience and care in fine motor tasks

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise 'slow and careful' over speed throughout all activities
Model patience and persistence when threading becomes difficult
Celebrate effort and improvement rather than just success
Use threading activities to develop concentration and focus
Connect exercise effects to body awareness and health
Promote cooperation and mutual support between partners
Encourage problem-solving when techniques don't work

Common Misconceptions

Faster is always better - teach that control and accuracy matter more than speed
Threading is easy - acknowledge it requires concentration and practice
Exercise doesn't change your body - help children notice and understand physical responses
You must be perfect first time - emphasise learning from mistakes and trying again
Only some children are good at fine motor skills - show that practice improves ability

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, movement breaks between fine motor tasks

dyspraxia

Larger threading materials, extra practice time, simplified sequences, hand-over-hand support if needed

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if overwhelmed, consistent routine and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured threading materials, provide verbal descriptions of threading technique, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all activities, written instruction cards, use of gestures and sign language

physical disability

Adapt equipment size for easier gripping, provide seated options for threading, modify distances as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting collected objects, measuring distances for relays, sorting by size and shape

Science

Forces needed for balance, effects of exercise on heart rate and breathing, materials and their properties

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, patience and perseverance, celebrating others' achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between activities to provide support, position near threading for safety supervision

Observation Focus

Watch for fine motor control development, spatial awareness, cooperation skills

Intervention Points

Step in if threading becomes frustrating, ensure fair play in tag games, support struggling partnerships

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show control vs rushing, demonstrate proper equipment handling, model patience and persistence

Verbal Cues

•'Slow and steady wins the race!'
•'Think before you move!'
•'Help your partner succeed!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall minimum 15m x 20m with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from small objects that could be swallowed

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check threading materials for sharp edges
•Ensure pegs/needles have blunt ends
•Inspect blocks for splinters or damage
•Verify eggs/balls are appropriate size for age group

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Choking hazard from small threading materials
•Trips and falls during relay activities
•Collision during tag games
•Sharp edges on equipment

Risk Mitigation

•Adult supervision during threading activities
•Clear boundaries and space management
•Equipment safety checks before lesson
•Appropriate object sizes for age group

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position near threading activities for choking prevention
•Monitor tag games for appropriate contact
•Watch for trip hazards during relay activities

Emergency Procedures

First aid available for minor cuts/bumps, emergency services contact for serious incidents