Move and Groove Mastery

Overview

This 45-minute physical education session for Year 1 students in New Zealand advances their skills in zigzag running and rolling techniques, building on prior lessons in the "Move and Groove: PE Fun" unit. This lesson incorporates coordination challenges through varied stations creating more complex movement patterns and obstacles, supporting holistic development as outlined in the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh.

Curriculum Alignment

Learning Area: Health and Physical Education (HPE)

• Strand: Movement Concepts and Motor Skills

• Achievement Objective: Develop and demonstrate confidence and competence in a range of fundamental movement skills and apply movement concepts and strategies in different physical activity contexts. (Aligned with curriculum code level for Year 1)

• Key Competencies addressed:

• Managing self (through participation and safety)

• Relating to others (working in groups at stations)

• Participating and contributing (engagement and collaboration)

Specific Learning Objectives:

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Perform zigzag running with increased control and speed, negotiating obstacles.
2. Execute rolling techniques (forward rolls and safe landings) with improved coordination.
3. Adapt movement patterns at multiple stations designed to challenge body awareness and spatial orientation.
4. Demonstrate safe practices and cooperation while using movement equipment and working alongside peers.

Lesson Details

Time Allocation	Activity	Description	Resources
5 mins	Warm-up Circle Game	"Follow the Leader" incorporating zigzag running and rolling stretches.	Cones, music for motivation.
10 mins	Station Setup & Rotation Intro	Teacher explains the 4 stations, emphasising safety rules and expected movements. Quick demo of zigzag and rolling techniques.	Visual aids/posters of technique
25 mins	Station Circuit	Students split into groups of 15 (4 groups to manage 60 students). Each group rotates every ~6 mins through:

1. Zigzag Sprint (cones set progressively closer and farther)
2. Rolling Mat (practice forward rolls onto mats)
3. Obstacle Zigzag (small hurdles and obstacles integrated)
4. Pattern Run (follow a complex zigzag pattern with variations like hopping, side steps) Teacher circulates giving feedback and encourages positive peer support. | Cones, mats, small hurdles, floor markers | | 5 mins | Cool-down and Reflection | Whole group gathers for breathing exercises and reflection. Teacher asks: What was tricky? What did you do well? How can you keep safe? | Mats or sitting spots. |

Detailed Activity Descriptions

Warm-up Circle Game (5 minutes)

• Children stand in a circle and imitate the teacher’s movements including zigzag steps and safe rolling demonstrations.
• Builds body awareness and prepares muscles for more complex movement.

Station 1: Zigzag Sprint

• Set cones approx 1.5m apart in a zigzag line.
• Challenge: sprint and weave around the cones using coordinated arm and leg movements.
• Encourage quick foot placement and balance.

Station 2: Rolling Mat

• Place mats for forward rolls.
• Students practise safe tuck and roll technique.
• Teacher models the correct head and neck position to avoid injury.

Station 3: Obstacle Zigzag

• Integrate low hurdles and cones creating a zigzag path with added challenge.
• Children are encouraged to step over/around obstacles with control.

Station 4: Pattern Run

• Create a floor pattern with tape or markers showing varied zigzag routes.
• Students follow the pattern incorporating different movements: hopping, skipping, side stepping.
• Develops motor planning and agility.

Assessment

• Formative: Teacher observations during stations noting students’ ability to follow movement patterns and safely execute rolling.
• Peer Assessment: Brief partner feedback sharing what they noticed about each other's control or creativity.
• Self-Reflection: At cool-down, students verbally share successes and challenges to consolidate learning.

Inclusive Practices

• Activities are adapted for different abilities by varying cone distances and obstacle heights.
• Students who need additional support are paired with classmates or receive guided assistance.
• Movement language includes te reo Māori terms for directions and movement such as "mai" (towards), "raro" (down), supporting bicultural inclusiveness.

Teacher Tips

• Use encouraging language reinforcing effort and risk-taking in trying new movements.
• Break down instructions into small, clear steps.
• Use music softly in the background for rhythm and engagement.
• Maintain clear signals for group transitions to keep students focused.

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This lesson plan leverages the New Zealand Curriculum's emphasis on experiential, inclusive, and safe learning environments. It directly supports Year 1 movement skill development through playful yet progressively challenging activities, preparing students for confident participation in complex physical activity contexts.