Dynamic Motion Skills

Overview

This 30-minute Physical Education session for preschoolers (3 students) is Lesson 3 in the unit "Resilient Bodies in Motion". The focus is on practising jumping and landing safely through engaging, age-appropriate games. This supports children’s development of physical coordination, control, and resilience.

This lesson aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh for Health and Physical Education for early childhood and junior years, emphasizing movement competence, safety, and positive learning experiences.

WALT (We Are Learning To)

Understand the correct techniques for jumping and landing safely.
Develop physical coordination by jumping over soft objects.
Land with control to protect our bodies.
Enjoy moving safely and confidently with friends.

Success Criteria

I can jump over soft objects safely.
I can land with control on my feet, bending my knees.
I can follow instructions and listen to safety reminders.
I show resilience by trying jumps even if they feel hard at first.

Curriculum Links

Learning Area: Health and Physical Education (Years 0-3 from NZC Refresh)

Movement Concepts and Motor Skills: Students develop fundamental movement skills with confidence and control.
Safety and Risk Management: Students learn to manage risks when participating in physical activities.
Personal and Social Competence: Demonstrate perseverance, confidence, and awareness in physical activity.

Relevant Key Competencies:

Managing Self: Taking responsibility for safety and persistence.
Participating and Contributing: Engaging positively with others.

Progress Outcome (NZC Phase 1: Years 0-3):

Children develop coordination and control in movement activities.
They begin to understand personal safety as it relates to physical activities.
Engage with kinesthetic learning through play and structured games.

Lesson Structure and Timing

Activity	Description	Time (minutes)
1. Welcome & Warm-Up	Gentle stretching and moving around, introduction to jumping	5
2. Demonstration & Talk Time	Teacher models correct jumping and landing techniques	5
3. Jumping Game	Jump over soft objects placed on the ground (e.g., cushions)	12
4. Safe Landing Challenge	Follow game instructions to land softly and with control	5
5. Cool Down & Reflection	Slow movements, deep breaths, discuss what was learned	3

Detailed Activities

1. Welcome & Warm-Up (5 minutes)

Begin by gathering the children in a circle.
Encourage “marching on the spot” followed by gentle stretching (arms up, touch toes).
Explain: “Today we will learn how to jump and land safely!”
Use simple language; visual cues and exaggerate movements for clarity.

2. Demonstration & Talk Time (5 minutes)

Show how to jump using both feet together.
Emphasize landing softly with bent knees to keep balance.
Use a puppet or doll to “jump” and “land” safely to capture interest.
Engage children by asking, “Where should our knees be when we land?” and reinforce correct answers.

3. Jumping Game: Over the Cushions (12 minutes)

Arrange soft cushions or bean bags to jump over in a row or small obstacle course.
Each child takes a turn jumping over the cushions.
Encourage soft landings and control; reinforce WALT and success criteria.
Provide encouragement and support; scaffold for those needing extra help by starting with one cushion and progressing.
For advanced learners, increase the distance or number of cushions.

4. Safe Landing Challenge (5 minutes)

Place mats on the floor for landing practice.
Children jump from a small height (e.g., low step or block) and focus on landing softly.
Use simple challenges: “Can you land like a cat?” (soft and quiet).
Provide positive feedback and gentle correction.

5. Cool Down & Reflection (3 minutes)

Lead children through slow walking and stretching.
Gather in a circle and ask simple reflective questions, e.g., “What did you like about jumping today?”
Reinforce the importance of landing safely to keep our bodies strong and happy.

Differentiation and Inclusion

Learner Need	Strategy
Children needing extra support	Start with small jumps from sitting; physical prompts for landing; close supervision.
Advanced learners	Challenge with longer jumps or multiple cushions; encourage creativity in jumping patterns.
Dyslexic or Language Learners	Use dyslexia-friendly verbal instructions with short, clear sentences; visual prompts; model actions frequently.

Assessment

Observational: Teacher notes each child's ability to jump and land safely during activities.
Success Criteria Check: Confirm if children meet criteria during jumping and landing.
Informal Feedback: Use positive reinforcement and peer encouragement.

Resources Needed

Soft cushions or bean bags
Landing mats
Small step or low block for safe jump height
Puppet or doll for demonstration
Open, safe activity space

This lesson plan balances kinesthetic learning, safety, and enjoyment whilst building resilience and physical skills, directly supporting the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh Health and PE objectives for early years children.

If you would like, I can also prepare supplementary materials such as visual prompts or simple story scripts for engaging this age group!