🎓

Lesson 4 - Dodging and Spatial Awareness

Confident Movers & Challenges

•

Year 2

•

Fundamental Movement Skills

•

45 min

Big Question

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

Coloured Bibs

Scrunch up for throwing in Spiderman Tag

Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls

Soft Dodgeballs

6-8

For Boulders game - must be soft for safety

Alternative: Bean bags, rolled up socks

Cones

8-12

Mark boundaries and lines for games

Alternative: Spots, markers

Key Vocabulary

Dodging

Moving quickly to one side to avoid an obstacle or person

Spatial awareness

Understanding where you are in relation to others and objects around you

Agility

The ability to move quickly and change direction with control

Ready position

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

Changes direction without losing balance

Consistently avoids collisions with others

Shows confidence when moving in crowded spaces

Can alternate left and right dodging movements

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