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Lesson 4 - Individual Skipping Skills

Playful Movement Challenges

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Year 2

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Health Related Fitness

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50 min

Big Question

How can we develop rhythm and coordination to master the art of skipping?

Learning Objectives

To develop individual skipping technique with proper rhythm and control
To understand the different types of skipping movements and their rhythms
To show perseverance when learning challenging motor skills

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate jumping movements with balance and control
Students will show understanding of single and double bounce rhythms
Students will encourage each other when facing challenges

Equipment & Resources Required

Ropes

Check rope length - handles should reach just below armpits when standing on centre

Alternative: Hoops can be used for easier skipping practice

Cones

5 (for warm-up tag game)

Give to initial catchers in hopscotch tag

Alternative: Bean bags or bibs

Base Stations

8 (for long rope activities)

Place on floor to show jumpers where to stand

Alternative: Markers or spots

Hoops

10-15

For students who need easier skipping alternative

Alternative: Chalk circles on playground

Key Vocabulary

Single bounce

Jumping continuously with one jump per rope turn

Double bounce

Adding a small bounce between each main jump over the rope

Rope turning

Using wrists to create circular motion with the skipping rope

Ready position

Hands at waist height with rope behind feet

Rhythm

The regular pattern of movements in skipping

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic jumping and landing with two feet
Simple hopping patterns
Following rhythmic patterns

Current Skills

Individual skipping technique
Rope turning coordination
Rhythm and timing development

Next Steps

Advanced skipping variations
Partner and group skipping
Skipping games and routines

Milestone Indicators

Consistent rope turning action

Coordinated jump timing

Maintained rhythm over multiple skips

Key Teaching Points

Turn the rope first, then time the jump - coordination is key
Maintain correct rhythm patterns: single bounce vs double bounce
Keep hands at waist height and rope behind feet to start
Use wrists for rope turning, not whole arms
Land softly on balls of feet with bent knees
Encourage effort and perseverance over immediate success
Watch the rope carefully when doing long rope skipping

Common Misconceptions

Thinking jumping and turning should happen simultaneously - correct sequence is turn first, then jump
Believing they should master it immediately - emphasise that skipping takes practice and patience
Using whole arms to turn rope instead of wrists - demonstrate efficient wrist action
Landing heavily or flat-footed - teach soft, controlled landings on balls of feet
Giving up when finding it difficult - reinforce that challenge is normal part of learning

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback and celebration

dyspraxia

Simplified movements initially, extra practice time, larger/lighter equipment options

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet area available if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured ropes, verbal cues for rope position, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of rhythms, hand signals for timing, clear sight lines to teacher

physical disability

Seated skipping practice, modified rope lengths, upper body rope movements

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting consecutive skips, rhythm patterns, timing and sequences

Science

Forces and motion in jumping, balance and coordination, understanding of rhythm and patterns

Music

Rhythm patterns, keeping steady beat, understanding of tempo and timing

PSHE

Perseverance and resilience, encouraging others, dealing with frustration and challenge

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around space to observe all students, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for coordination development, rhythm understanding, and peer encouragement

Intervention Points

Step in when students become frustrated, provide technique tips, ensure safety spacing

Demonstration Notes

Use slow, exaggerated movements for rhythm patterns, show common mistakes to avoid, celebrate student demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Turn first, then jump!'
•'Jump, bend, jump, bend!'
•'Light on your feet!'
•'Keep trying, you're improving!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 10m hall space, clear of obstacles and furniture

Surface Check

Non-slip surface essential, check for wet patches or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check rope handles are secure and not cracked
•Ensure ropes are appropriate length for student height
•Long ropes inspected for fraying or wear

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Rope entanglement around students
•Collisions during individual rope practice
•Trips and falls from jumping activities
•Rope handles striking other students

Risk Mitigation

•Adequate spacing enforced throughout lesson
•Clear boundaries established for rope turning
•Progressive skill building from stationary to moving activities
•Constant supervision of long rope activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all rope activities
•Monitor closely during individual rope practice
•Ensure experienced turners at long rope stations

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, clear equipment from injured student area