Lesson 6 - Threading and Object Control
Object Control Basics
•Year 1
•Fundamental Movement Skills
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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
Place in pile 20m from starting line
Alternative: Large wooden blocks, foam blocks
Check for safety - no sharp points
Alternative: Thick cocktail sticks, pipe cleaners with stiff ends
Ensure easy to tuck into waistbands
Alternative: Coloured ribbons, fabric strips
Tie large knot at one end of each piece
Alternative: Shoe laces, thick wool
Pre-cut to ensure uniform size
Alternative: Pasta tubes, cardboard tubes
Ensure holes are large enough for threading
Alternative: Large beads, wooden cylinders with holes
Check for cracks or sharp edges
Alternative: Wooden spoons, table tennis bats
Golf balls recommended for better balance challenge
Alternative: Table tennis balls, bean bags
Mark start and finish points clearly
Alternative: Markers, bean bags
For holding threading materials
Alternative: Buckets, containers
Key Vocabulary
To pass string or thread through holes in objects
Moving around safely without bumping into others or objects
Being able to handle and manipulate objects skilfully
Keeping steady whilst holding or carrying something
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
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