Crawling and Climbing

Unit: Movement Mastery Adventure

Lesson: 2 of 4
Duration: 30 minutes
Class: Reception (Ages 4-5)
Class Size: 25 students
Curriculum Reference:

• Physical Development – Moving and Handling: Early Learning Goals (Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage - EYFS, UK)
• Physical Education (PE): Key Stage 1 Programmes of Study (for transition into Year 1)
• Development of fundamental movement skills including spatial awareness, coordination, and cooperative physical activity is promoted in line with best UK Early Years practice.

---

Lesson Overview

This lesson builds on pupils’ previous experience with rolling by introducing crawling and climbing through fun, engaging, and safe activities. It focuses on refining gross motor skills, encouraging spatial awareness, and fostering teamwork. By negotiating low-level obstacles, pupils will develop confidence in moving their bodies in new ways and improve their physical control.

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of the session, pupils will be able to:

• Crawl safely and efficiently through designated course sections.
• Climb low obstacles with balance and control.
• Demonstrate increased spatial awareness while moving in different pathways.
• Work cooperatively in small groups, helping peers complete challenges.
• Express enjoyment and confidence in physical activity.

---

Lesson Resources

• Soft gym mats (for crawling sections)
• Low climbing frames or sturdy boxes (no higher than 50cm)
• Tunnels or hoops for crawling through
• Soft cones/markers for obstacle boundaries
• Velcro “helper bands” or soft wristbands for pairing/grouping
• Music player for warm-up and cool-down

---

Lesson Structure

1. Starter Activity – Moving Like Animals (5 minutes)

• Purpose: Warm up muscles; introduce crawling movements in a playful context.
• Activity: Teacher demonstrates and encourages children to “move like different animals” crawling around the hall, e.g., crawl like a tiger, bear, or crab.
• Use clear, enthusiastic language to describe the movement (e.g., “Strong tiger crawl, keep low to the ground!”).
• Encourage children to feel their arms and legs working and to be aware of space around them.

2. Introduction & Safety Rules (3 minutes)

• Gather the class and explain the crawling and climbing challenges:
  • “Today we are explorers crawling under caves and climbing over hills!”
  • Go over safety rules: moving slowly and safely, waiting their turn, helping one another.
• Highlight cooperative aspects: “We will work in small teams to help each other.”
• Demonstrate correct crawling and climbing techniques briefly.

3. Challenge Course Activity (15 minutes)

• Setup: Create a circuit with five stations, each with a crawling or climbing obstacle. Examples:
  1. Crawl through a tunnel.
  2. Climb over a low frame/box and balance on top.
  3. Zigzag crawl between cones.
  4. Climb over soft steps or ramps.
  5. Crawl under a set of low hanging hoops.
• Grouping: Children work in groups of five (5 groups total), wearing helper wristbands so they know their group.
• Instructions: Groups take turns starting at different stations to avoid congestion. Each child is encouraged to cheer on and assist friends (verbally or by helping steady). Staff or assistants monitor for safety and gentle encouragement.
• Focus: Emphasise smooth, controlled movements and awareness of others in the space.

4. Cooperative Teamwork Game – Obstacle Relays (5 minutes)

• Children remain in their groups.
• Each child takes a turn to complete an obstacle from the course and then tags the next person.
• Encourage cheering for teammates, reminding them that success is about helping each other and trying their best.
• Optionally play upbeat music to foster energy and rhythm.

5. Cool Down & Reflection (2 minutes)

• Children sit in a circle.
• Lead slow, gentle stretches focusing on arms, legs, and back.
• Ask simple questions:
  • “What was your favourite part of the challenge?”
  • “How did you help a friend today?”
• Praise effort and teamwork. Reinforce how movement is fun and an adventure.

---

Assessment and Differentiation

• Formative assessment: Teacher observes crawling/climbing skills, spatial awareness, and cooperation during activities.
• Use a simple checklist or notes for children's confidence, coordination, and social interaction.
• Differentiation:
  • For children who find climbing difficult, offer alternative crawling-only challenges with gentle encouragement.
  • Provide additional adult support for any less confident or physically limited children.
  • For advanced movers, include small balance tasks on climbing elements (e.g., pause balanced on top before climbing down).

---

Cross-Curricular Links

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development: Teamwork and empathy through cooperative tasks.
• Communication and Language: Following instructions, expressing feelings about challenges.
• Understanding the World: Exploring physical space and equipment safely.

---

Teacher Reflection Notes

• Monitor pupil engagement and enjoyment – adapt pacing if needed.
• Record any children needing further motor skills support for targeted intervention.
• Consider inviting parents to observe or join a final session to highlight developmental progress.

---

Extension Ideas

• Create a “Movement Mastery Passport” for children to collect stickers/stamps for each physical skill mastered through the unit.
• Incorporate simple storytelling where children are pretending to be explorers on a jungle adventure, enhancing imagination and movement integration.

---

This lesson plan is designed to develop key early physical skills integrated with cooperative learning, aligning with the EYFS physical development goals and providing a strong foundation for KS1 PE learning.