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Lesson 1 - Spatial Awareness Skills

Movement Patterns Adventure

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Year 2

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Athletics

•

45 min

Big Question

How can we move safely and cleverly around others while collecting objects?

Learning Objectives

To develop spatial awareness when moving around others
To practice quick directional changes while maintaining control
To apply numeracy skills through counting and scoring in physical activity

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate safe movement around others in shared space
Students will collect objects efficiently using different movement patterns
Students will count accurately and calculate scores during physical activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

30-40

Scattered randomly around playing area, mix of domes and dishes

Alternative: Foam markers, bean bags

Hoops

15 (1 per pair)

Placed at intervals around the perimeter as collection bases

Alternative: Cones in circles, marked circles on floor

Collection Baskets

60-80 mixed items

Variety of objects for collection activities

Alternative: Bean bags, balls, quoits, foam shapes

Whistles

For clear start and stop signals

Alternative: Tambourine, hand clap

Key Vocabulary

Spatial awareness

Knowing where you are in relation to other people and objects

Agility

The ability to move quickly and change direction easily

Peripheral vision

Seeing things to the side while looking forward

Collection strategy

A plan for gathering objects efficiently

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running and walking movements
Understanding of personal space
Simple counting to 10

Current Skills

Spatial awareness during dynamic movement
Quick directional changes
Object collection and counting under time pressure

Next Steps

More complex dodging and weaving patterns
Team-based collection strategies
Introduction to throwing and catching while moving

Milestone Indicators

Consistent avoidance of collisions during movement

Ability to change direction quickly without losing balance

Accurate counting during physical activity

Key Teaching Points

Spatial awareness is developed through consistent 'eyes up, head up' reminders
Light, bouncy feet help students change direction quickly and safely
One-object-at-a-time rule teaches control and prevents dangerous rushing
Fair play and honesty are as important as physical skills development
Numeracy integration makes PE cross-curricular and reinforces mathematical concepts
Progressive challenge keeps all students engaged and developing
Partnership work develops social skills alongside physical skills

Common Misconceptions

Students think moving faster is always better - emphasise control and awareness over speed
Some believe spatial awareness is innate - teach that it can be developed through practice
Misconception that looking down helps with balance - reinforce head up for safety
Thinking competition means winning at any cost - emphasise fair play and safety first
Belief that bigger students have advantages - show how agility and awareness matter more than size

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, immediate feedback and encouragement

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment, reduce complexity of movement patterns, provide extra practice time, clear step-by-step instructions

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones for breaks, predictable transitions between activities

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of spatial layout, buddy system for navigation, audio signals for direction changes

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and hand gestures, demonstrate all instructions, provide written cards with rules, ensure clear sight lines to teacher

physical disability

Adapt movement patterns to individual abilities, provide seated collection options, modify equipment size and weight, allow assistance from support staff

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, describing strategies, using movement vocabulary, communication with partners

Science

Understanding body movement, heart rate changes, spatial concepts, forces and motion

PSHE

Working cooperatively, fair play, encouraging others, managing competition appropriately

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all students, central position for instructions

Observation Focus

Spatial awareness, safe movement patterns, fair play, numeracy application

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe movement, support struggling partnerships, encourage fair play

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate spatial awareness concepts clearly, show both correct and incorrect examples, involve students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Eyes up, scanning for friends!'
•'Light feet, ready to change direction!'
•'One object, back to base!'
•'Safe spacing, keep your bubble!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or playground, minimum 15m x 20m clear area

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check hoops for cracks or sharp edges
•Ensure collection objects are soft and safe
•Verify cones are stable and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between moving students
•Trips over scattered equipment
•Overexertion during collection activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and safety rules established
•Emphasis on head up, eyes scanning movement
•One-object-at-a-time rule prevents overloading
•Regular breaks and controlled activity levels

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
•Monitor high-traffic areas during collection
•Watch for fatigue and spatial awareness deterioration

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately with whistle signal, assess any incidents, apply appropriate first aid, contact school emergency procedures if needed