Lesson 4 - Dodging and Spatial Awareness
Confident Movers & Challenges
•Year 2
•Fundamental Movement Skills
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we move quickly and safely when sharing space with others?
Learning Objectives
- To develop dodging skills with control and confidence
- To demonstrate spatial awareness when moving around others
- To show agility, balance and coordination in movement activities
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to dodge past stationary and moving obstacles
- Students will move safely in shared spaces while maintaining awareness of others
- Students will demonstrate improved agility, balance and coordination
Equipment & Resources Required
Scrunch up for throwing in Spiderman Tag
Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls
For Boulders game - must be soft for safety
Alternative: Bean bags, rolled up socks
Mark boundaries and lines for games
Alternative: Spots, markers
Key Vocabulary
Moving quickly to one side to avoid an obstacle or person
Understanding where you are in relation to others and objects around you
The ability to move quickly and change direction with control
Standing with knees slightly bent, weight on balls of feet, ready to move
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running and walking skills
- Understanding of personal space
- Following simple movement instructions
Current Skills
- Dodging past stationary and moving obstacles
- Spatial awareness in crowded areas
- Quick changes of direction while maintaining balance
Next Steps
- Dodging in more complex game situations
- Combining dodging with other skills like catching
- Strategic thinking about movement patterns
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Dodging requires controlled movement with good balance and spatial awareness
- Safety comes first - always look where you're going and be aware of others
- Start slowly and build speed only when control is maintained
- Practice alternating left and right dodging to develop both sides equally
- Patience and cooperation are essential when sharing space with others
- Good ready position helps with quick reactions and balance
- Gentle throwing in games - focus on accuracy rather than force
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking dodging means running very fast - actually requires controlled movement
- Believing you always dodge the same direction - need to vary left and right
- Assuming spatial awareness is automatic - requires conscious attention and practice
- Thinking games are about winning at all costs - focus should be on skill development
- Believing throwing harder is better - gentle, accurate throws are more effective
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, give specific roles and responsibilities
dyspraxia
- Simplify movement patterns, allow extra practice time, use larger equipment and spaces
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet space if overwhelmed, use visual schedule of activities
visual impairment
- Use verbal cues for directions, ensure consistent partner support, add tactile markers for boundaries
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual signals and demonstrations, ensure good eye contact when giving instructions
physical disability
- Modify movements to seated or supported positions, use balloon instead of foam ball for easier tracking
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting during activities, understanding directions (left/right), measuring distances and spaces
Science
Forces and motion in dodging movements, balance and gravity, understanding how muscles work
Geography
Directional awareness (North, South, East, West), understanding spatial relationships
PSHE
Cooperation and sharing, managing emotions in competitive situations, showing respect for others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter to observe all students, position centrally during crossing activities
Observation Focus
Watch for balance during dodging, spatial awareness in group situations, fair play in games
Intervention Points
Step in if movements become too fast or uncontrolled, ensure throwing remains gentle
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to show proper technique, emphasise safety points clearly
Verbal Cues
- •'Eyes up, look where you're going!'
- •'Gentle throws only!'
- •'Wait and watch for gaps!'
- •'Control your speed!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 20m indoor hall or outdoor area free from obstacles
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip surface checked for hazards and adequate grip
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Soft foam balls only - check for firmness
- •Bibs in good condition without tears
- •Cones placed safely away from main activity areas
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during group movement activities
- •Loss of balance during quick direction changes
- •Overcrowding in central crossing areas
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and maintained
- •Progressive speed development from walking to jogging
- •Emphasis on controlled movements throughout
- •Regular safety reminders during activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe crossing areas in group activities
- •Monitor throwing force in games
- •Watch for fatigue affecting coordination
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess any incidents, provide appropriate first aid or comfort as needed