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Lesson 4 - Coordination Through Skipping

Fitness Components Challenge

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Year 5

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Health Related Fitness

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45 min

Big Question

How can we coordinate different parts of our body to work together effectively?

Learning Objectives

To develop coordination through individual and group skipping activities
To improve timing and rhythm in movement patterns
To demonstrate perseverance when learning challenging skills

Key Outcomes

Students will perform individual skipping with control and coordination
Students will work effectively as rope turners and skippers in group activities
Students will show understanding of how coordination combines different body parts

Equipment & Resources Required

Ropes

30 (1 per student)

Check for fraying or damage, ensure adequate length for groups of 4-6

Alternative: Washing line, long jump ropes, or climbing ropes

Dish Cones

Mark safe spaces and group areas around the hall perimeter

Alternative: Spots, bean bags, or chalk marks

Key Vocabulary

Coordination

The ability to use different parts of the body together smoothly and efficiently

Rhythm

A regular repeated pattern of movement or sound

Double Dutch

Skipping with two ropes turning in opposite directions

Arch shape

The curved path the rope makes when turned properly

Perseverance

Continuing to try even when something is difficult

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic jumping and landing on two feet
Simple coordination activities
Understanding of taking turns and following instructions

Current Skills

Individual rope skipping with rhythm
Group rope turning and coordination
Timing entry and exit from moving ropes

Next Steps

Complex skipping sequences and routines
Partner and group skipping challenges
Creating own fitness circuits using skipping

Milestone Indicators

Maintains rhythm for 10+ consecutive skips

Successfully enters long rope without stopping

Coordinates rope turning with partner effectively

Key Teaching Points

Coordination is multiple body parts working together as a team
Turn the rope first, then jump - timing is everything
Keep hands at waist height, not up by shoulders
Land softly on balls of feet with bent knees
Perseverance is key - celebrate effort over immediate success
Group activities require communication and consistent timing
Start inside long ropes before attempting entry

Common Misconceptions

Thinking coordination is the same as balance
Believing skipping is just about jumping high
Assuming faster rope turning makes skipping easier
Thinking you need to master individual skipping before group activities
Believing mistakes mean you're 'bad' at coordination

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with movement breaks, clear boundaries and expectations, fidget tools during discussion

dyspraxia

Simplified rope coordination, extra practice time, break down skills into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual timetable of activities, quiet space available for breaks

visual impairment

Use ropes with bells or textured handles, provide verbal description of rope movement, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual cues for timing, vibrations from rope hitting floor, demonstrate all instructions clearly

physical disability

Seated rope turning activities, adapted shorter ropes, focus on arm coordination without jumping

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting consecutive skips, timing patterns, measuring rope lengths, angle concepts in rope turning

Science

Forces and motion in rope movement, gravity and jumping, rhythm and sound waves, coordination and nervous system

Music

Rhythm and beat matching, creating patterns, listening skills for rope timing

PSHE

Perseverance and resilience, teamwork and cooperation, celebrating effort over achievement, supporting others' learning

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during demonstrations, circulate actively during practice for individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for correct hand positioning, rope timing, and safe spacing between students

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggle with frustration, when safety spacing breaks down, or when group dynamics need support

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clear visibility, demonstrate common mistakes before showing correct technique, involve confident students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Turn first, jump second!'
•'Hands at waist height!'
•'Soft landings on your toes!'
•'Chase the rope in!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m hall with high ceiling clearance for rope turning

Surface Check

Non-slip, level surface free from obstacles and trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all ropes for fraying, damaged handles, or knots
•Ensure rope lengths appropriate for age and height
•Remove any damaged equipment immediately

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Rope tangles causing trips and falls
•Collision between students during rope activities
•Rope handles striking participants
•Overexertion during continuous skipping

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries and safe spaces for each student
•Teach proper rope handling and storage techniques
•Monitor spacing during all activities
•Regular breaks and rotation to prevent fatigue

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all rope turners
•Move between groups during long rope activities
•Monitor for signs of frustration or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately on 'freeze' command, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if needed