Zigzag Jumping Basics

Year Level

Year 1

Duration

45 minutes

Class Size

60 students

---

Unit Context

This session is Lesson 2 of 6 in the unit "Move and Groove: PE Fun". The focus of this lesson is on developing the fundamental movement skill of zigzag jumping to build balance and coordination, aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh for Health and Physical Education.

---

Curriculum Links

Health and Physical Education Learning Area (New Zealand Curriculum Refresh)

• Level 1 Achievement Objectives:

• Movement Concepts and Motor Skills: Develop the fundamental movement skills of jumping and landing, focusing on control and body coordination.

• Participating and Contributing: Engage in group activities and follow rules and safety practices while demonstrating cooperation.

• Key Competencies:

• Thinking: Students plan and problem-solve movement challenges.

• Using Language, Symbols, and Text: Students understand and follow verbal and visual instructions.

• Relating to Others: Students participate cooperatively with others.

• Managing Self: Students take responsibility for their own safety and equipment care.

• Values:

• Excellence: Strive to improve balance and coordination.

• Contribution: Participate actively and support peers.

• Respect: Show respect for others and the equipment.

---

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Demonstrate basic zigzag jumping skills by navigating through a series of cones.
2. Maintain balance and control during jumps.
3. Follow simple movement challenges at different stations.
4. Show cooperation and take turns in a group setting.

---

Equipment Needed

• 60 small cones or markers (5 cones per station × 12 stations)
• Soft mats (one per station for safe landing zones)
• Whistle or music for signalling transitions
• Markers or tape to mark start and finish lines
• Visual cue cards or posters illustrating zigzag movements and station challenges

---

Lesson Outline

Time (minutes)	Activity	Description
0 - 5	Introduction and Warm-up	- Gather students and explain the activity: “Today we’re learning to jump in a fun zigzag pattern!”

• Lead students in simple warm-up activities such as marching, gentle jogging on the spot, stretching arms and legs, and hopping.
• Use clear, simple language and demonstrate all movements. | | 5 - 10 | Demonstration of Zigzag Jumping | - Show students how to jump sideways in a zigzag pattern between cones.
• Emphasize bending knees, jumping softly, and landing with balance.
• Use simple language and repetition for clarity.
• Invite a few students to try in front of the class with support. | | 10 - 30 | Station Rotations: Zigzag Jumping Challenges | - Divide the class into 12 groups of 5 students to manage 12 stations around the gym or field.
• Each station has cones spaced for zigzag jumping, plus a creative movement challenge (e.g., jumping with hands raised, jumping like a frog between cones, jumping on one foot for part of the course).
• Rotate groups every 2 minutes with clear signals (whistle or music stops).
• Teachers and assistants circulate to support, encourage, and ensure safe distances and order.
• Key focus: balance, coordination, and following instructions. | | 30 - 40 | Group Sharing and Cool-down | - Gather students to sit or stand in a circle.
• Discuss what they enjoyed and what was challenging.
• Lead a cool-down with deep breathing, gentle stretches, and slow movements mimicking zigzag jumps. | | 40 - 45 | Reflection and Assessment | - Ask simple reflective questions: “How did you feel when jumping zigzag? Can you show me good balance?”
• Teacher observes and notes students who demonstrate control and coordination.
• Give positive and specific feedback.
• Recognize participation and cooperation. |

---

Detailed Activity Descriptions

Station Challenges (Examples)

1. Basic Zigzag Jumping — Jump lightly from side to side between cones.
2. Frog Jumping — Jump forward in zigzag like a frog with hands on the ground.
3. Hands-up Jumping — Jump zigzag with hands reaching to the sky.
4. One-foot Jump — Hop on one foot through half the cones, then switch foot.
5. Quick Step — Run zigzag fast without jumping.
6. Slow Motion — Move very slowly through zigzag, focusing on control.
7. Balance Pause — Pause and balance on one foot between jumps.
8. Turn and Jump — At the end of each zigzag line, turn around and jump back.
9. Animal Moves — Pretend to be a chosen animal while zigzag jumping.
10. Counting Jumps — Count each jump aloud in zigzag.
11. Call and Response — Student jumps on teacher’s command.
12. Partner Jump — Jump in zigzag beside a friend (side by side).

---

Differentiation and Inclusion

• Allow less confident students more time at easier stations.
• Use verbal cues, visual prompts, and physical demonstration.
• Encourage peer support within groups.
• Ensure equipment arrangement allows safe movement for all students.
• Modify movement challenges to suit individual physical abilities.

---

Assessment

• Formative: Teacher observes student participation, balance, coordination, and ability to follow movement instructions.
• Feedback: Positive reinforcement on effort and skill improvement.
• Self and Peer: Encourage students to identify their own strengths and what they want to improve next time.

---

Classroom Management Tips

• Use clear signals for transitions (whistle, music).
• Ensure stations are spaced to allow safe movement.
• Rotate groups promptly to keep engagement high.
• Use enthusiastic and encouraging language to motivate.
• Reinforce safe jumping and landing techniques consistently.

---

Health and Safety

• Ensure the area is free from hazards.
• Use soft mats for landing zones.
• Monitor student spacing, especially for larger groups.
• Include hydration breaks as needed.

---

This lesson provides an engaging, age-appropriate physical activity that develops foundational motor skills, encourages active participation, and fosters positive social interactions, fully aligned to the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh Health and Physical Education objectives for Year 1 students.