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Lesson 1 - Directional Jumping and Turning

Pathways & Directions

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Year 2

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Gymnastics

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45 min

Big Question

How can I change direction smoothly and safely while jumping and turning like a gymnast?

Learning Objectives

To jump with control through 90, 180 and 270 degree turns
To demonstrate agility, balance and coordination when changing direction
To create and perform a sequence of jumps with different pathways

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully jump with turns of varying degrees
Students will show improved spatial awareness and body control
Students will create their own jumping sequences with directional changes

Equipment & Resources Required

Gymnastics Mats

8-10 mats

Distributed around hall for landing practice

Alternative: Carpet tiles or marked safe landing areas

Tunnel Systems

Positioned for clear sound throughout hall

Alternative: Teacher's voice for rhythm

Stopwatch

For timing apparatus setup and challenges

Alternative: Smartphone timer

Digital Cameras

For recording sequences and assessment

Alternative: Smartphone for recording

Apparatus

6-8 pieces

Set up in stations around the hall

Alternative: Chairs or raised platforms

Cones

To mark pathways and directions

Alternative: Bean bags or markers

Key Vocabulary

90 degree turn

A quarter turn to the left or right

180 degree turn

A half turn to face the opposite direction

270 degree turn

Three-quarter turn, more than halfway around

Take-off

The moment you push off the ground to jump

Landing

Coming down safely from a jump with bent knees

Sequence

A series of movements performed one after another

Pathway

The direction and route you travel when moving

Agility

Being able to move quickly and change direction easily

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic jumping and landing skills
Simple balance positions
Following movement instructions

Current Skills

Directional jumping with turns
Sequence creation and performance
Spatial awareness and pathway changes

Next Steps

More complex gymnastic sequences
Partner and group work
Advanced apparatus skills

Milestone Indicators

Consistent controlled landings

Smooth transitions between movements

Confident use of space and direction

Key Teaching Points

Always emphasise controlled landings with bent knees for safety
Degree turns must happen in the air during jumping, not on the ground
Sequences should flow smoothly with clear connections between elements
Apparatus work requires constant safety awareness and rule following
Creative expression should be encouraged within safe movement parameters
Self-assessment helps children understand their own learning progress
Spatial awareness develops through exploring pathways and directions

Common Misconceptions

Children may think degrees only relate to temperature - clarify as turning measurements
Some may attempt to turn after landing rather than during flight
Confusion between left and right directions - use room landmarks as references
Thinking bigger jumps are always better - emphasise control over height
Believing apparatus work is just about getting high - focus on controlled movement
Assuming sequences must be fast - promote smooth, controlled performance

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity segments, clear boundaries marked, frequent positive feedback and movement breaks

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for coordination, break down movements into smaller steps, visual and verbal prompts

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, visual sequence cards, quiet space available if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use bright markers for reference points, provide verbal descriptions of degree turns, assign sighted buddy for support

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, hand signals for commands, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Modify turns to seated or supported positions, use wheelchair accessible apparatus, adapt degrees to ability

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Understanding angles and degrees, spatial relationships, sequencing and counting

Science

Forces in jumping, gravity and landing, rotation and momentum

Art

Creative expression through movement, body shapes and spatial design

Geography

Directions and compass points, spatial awareness and mapping

PSHE

Self-assessment and honest reflection, supporting others, building confidence

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during demonstrations, move around space during practice, close to apparatus during equipment work

Observation Focus

Watch for controlled landings, appropriate degree completion, safe apparatus use, sequence development

Intervention Points

Step in if turns become uncontrolled, support children struggling with degree concepts, ensure apparatus safety

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Use clear, slow movements for degree turns, exaggerate arm positions for visibility, show both successful attempts and common mistakes

Verbal Cues

•'Bend those knees on landing!'
•'Turn in the air, not on the ground!'
•'Control is more important than speed!'
•'Think about your pathway!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

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

Surface Check

Non-slip surface essential, check for water or debris, ensure adequate cushioning for landings

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check apparatus stability before use
•Ensure mats are flat and positioned correctly
•Inspect for damaged equipment that could cause injury

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision during jumping activities
•Uncontrolled landings from height
•Falls from apparatus
•Injuries during apparatus setup/pack away

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing between children during jumping practice
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Proper warm-up before vigourous activity
•Paired apparatus carrying and setup supervision

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during jumping activities
•Move between apparatus stations during equipment work
•Close monitoring during degree turn attempts

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, ensure other children continue safely under supervision