🤸

Lesson 4 - Zig-Zag Pathway Sequences

Exploring Movement Pathways Through Creative Gymnastics

•

Year 1

•

Gymnastics

•

1h 1min

Big Question

How can we link different jumping skills to create exciting zig-zag pathways?

Learning Objectives

To jump in different pathways with coordination and control
To link different travelling actions into sequences
To understand how to share space safely with others

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to jump using different take-off and landing combinations
Students will create and perform a zig-zag pathway sequence
Students will demonstrate improved coordination when changing direction

Equipment & Resources Required

Gymnastics Mats

6 stations (benches, boxes, hoops)

Spread around hall for apparatus work

Alternative: Carpet tiles or marked floor areas

Stopwatch

For timing apparatus setup challenge

Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock

Music Player

For finishing activity music game

Alternative: Phone, tablet with speaker

Cones

20-30

To mark pathways and boundaries

Alternative: Bean bags, chalk marks

Certificates

5-8

For lesson conclusion rewards

Alternative: Verbal praise, thumbs up cards

Key Vocabulary

Pathway

The line or route along which we travel

Zig-zag

A pathway with sharp turns from side to side

Sequence

A series of movements linked together smoothly

Coordination

Using different parts of your body together smoothly

Take-off

How you leave the ground when jumping

Landing

How you arrive back on the ground safely

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic jumping with two feet together
Simple directional changes
Following pathways on the floor

Current Skills

Jumping with different take-off and landing patterns
Creating zig-zag pathways
Linking movements into sequences

Next Steps

More complex pathway sequences
Adding rolls and balances to pathways
Partner pathway work

Milestone Indicators

Smooth transitions between jumps

Controlled landing on one or both feet

Clear directional changes in sequence

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise soft, controlled landings with bent knees for all jumping activities
Maintain clear zig-zag pathway concept throughout all activities and apparatus work
Focus on smooth transitions and flow between different jumping patterns in sequences
Prioritise safety during apparatus setup, use and pack-away procedures
Encourage creativity while maintaining technical skill development
Use peer assessment to develop observation skills and build supportive learning community
Apply differentiation to ensure all children can access learning at appropriate level

Common Misconceptions

Children may think jumping higher is better than jumping with control - emphasise control over height
May believe zig-zag means any random direction changes - clarify the specific sharp-angled pathway pattern
Could assume sequences need to be fast - stress that smooth, controlled linking is more important than speed
Might think apparatus work is separate from floor skills - reinforce connection between apparatus and pathway work
May believe peer feedback should only be positive - teach constructive suggestions for improvement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular movement breaks built into instruction time, clear boundaries marked, immediate positive feedback for good choices

dyspraxia

Slower progression through skills, visual guides for apparatus setup, extra practice time for coordination activities

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet space available for breaks, consistent routines for apparatus work

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured floor markers for pathways, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for apparatus work

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and gestures, written instruction cards, demonstration-heavy teaching approach

physical disability

Seated pathway creation using arms, adapted apparatus heights, focus on upper body sequences where appropriate

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development (pathway, sequence, coordination), descriptive language for movement, listening skills during instructions

Maths

Geometry - angles and turns (90, 270 degrees), patterns and sequences, counting jumps and repetitions

Science

Forces - push and pull in jumping, gravity and landing, body systems during exercise and movement

Geography

Direction and pathways, spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns across space

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, giving constructive feedback, building confidence through achievement, resilience during challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around hall perimeter during floor work, central position during demonstrations, close supervision during apparatus work

Observation Focus

Landing technique and control, pathway clarity, cooperation and safety awareness, sequence quality and flow

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe jumping technique, apparatus safety concerns, or significant skill difficulties

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for skill demonstrations, involve children in showing good examples, emphasise key teaching points visually

Verbal Cues

•'Soft landings with bent knees!'
•'Show me your zig-zag pathway!'
•'Smooth linking between jumps!'
•'Safe approach to apparatus!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 10m clear space, additional perimeter space for apparatus stations

Surface Check

Non-slip floor surface, free from obstacles and moisture

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all apparatus is stable before use
•Ensure mats are properly positioned under apparatus
•Verify adequate space around each apparatus station

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls from apparatus or during jumping
•Collisions between children during floor work
•Injury from improper lifting of apparatus
•Overexertion during repeated jumping activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing established
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Systematic apparatus setup and pack-away procedures
•Regular rest breaks during jumping activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during apparatus work
•Actively monitor jumping technique and fatigue levels
•Ensure apparatus rules are consistently followed

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid/support, inform senior staff if required