Lesson 1 - Spatial Awareness Skills
Movement Patterns Adventure
•Year 2
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Scattered randomly around playing area, mix of domes and dishes
Alternative: Foam markers, bean bags
Placed at intervals around the perimeter as collection bases
Alternative: Cones in circles, marked circles on floor
Variety of objects for collection activities
Alternative: Bean bags, balls, quoits, foam shapes
For clear start and stop signals
Alternative: Tambourine, hand clap
Key Vocabulary
Knowing where you are in relation to other people and objects
The ability to move quickly and change direction easily
Seeing things to the side while looking forward
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
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