Fundamental Moves Start

Learning Context

Age Group: 6-7 years old (P2-P3)
Class Size: 25 students
Duration: 45 minutes
Curriculum: Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) – Health and Wellbeing, Physical Education

Lesson Overview

This is Lesson 1 of 6 in the unit Fundamental Movement Skills. Pupils will be introduced to key basic movement skills such as running, jumping, and tossing through playful, engaging activities. The focus is on developing control, coordination, and confidence in movement, aligned with CfE experiences and outcomes for Early Level/Ages 5-7.

CfE Learning Outcomes Alignment

Health and Wellbeing (Physical Education):
- I am developing my movement, balance, and coordination skills through exploring and choosing different actions and ways of moving. (EXA 0-11a, Early Level)
- I explore different ways of moving to develop my agility and ability to change direction confidently. (EXA 1-11a, First Level aspiration)
Literacy and Communication (Listening and Talking):
- I am learning ways to say what I think and feel, recognise how others show feelings, and respond appropriately.
Thinking Skills (Problem Solving & Creativity):
- I investigate different ways of doing things and can suggest ways to solve a problem.

Learning Intentions

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

Understand what fundamental movement skills are and why they are important.
Perform basic running, jumping, and tossing movements with confidence and control.
Explore movement in a safe, cooperative environment.
Respond to simple instructions and demonstrate listening and teamwork skills.

Success Criteria

I can run, jump, and toss safely and with control.
I try my best and follow instructions.
I work well with my classmates during activities.

Resources Needed

Cones or markers
Soft foam balls or beanbags
Hula hoops or hoops marked on the floor
Whistle or music player for timing activities
Large open indoor or outdoor space

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction & Warm-up (8 minutes)

Teacher Activity:
Welcome pupils and briefly introduce “fundamental movement skills” as the building blocks for all other games and sports. Demonstrate short examples of running, jumping, and tossing, encouraging excitement and curiosity.
Pupil Activity:
Follow a fun, dynamic warm-up game called “Moving Colours”:
- Teacher calls out a colour or number corresponding to cones placed around the space.
- Pupils run or jump to the cone as quickly and safely as possible.
- This gets them moving and warming up muscles while practising listening and responding.

2. Skill Focus Activity - Running (10 minutes)

Activity: “Run the Relay”
Task: Pupils are split into 5 groups (5 pupils each), forming 5 relay lanes using cones.
Instructions: Pupils take turns sprinting lightly from start to finish line and back, tagging the next runner. Emphasise mid-distance running technique: eyes forward, arms pumping, landing mid-foot.
Teacher Role: Model the running technique clearly; provide individual encouragement and corrections.
Safety: Ensure safe spacing between lanes and remind pupils to watch for others.

3. Skill Focus Activity - Jumping (10 minutes)

Activity: “Leaping Hoops”
Task: Pupils line up behind a start line with scattered hoops 1 metre apart.
Instructions: Pupils jump from hoop to hoop, landing with two feet inside each hoop. Focus on bending knees, swinging arms, and balanced landings.
Challenge: For confident pupils, introduce “frog jumps” or side jumps between hoops to develop coordination.
Teacher Role: Demonstrate safe take-off and landing; observe and support pupils needing help to land softly.

4. Skill Focus Activity - Tossing (10 minutes)

Activity: “Beanbag Toss”
Task: Pupils pair up, standing about 2 metres apart, tossing soft beanbags back and forth.
Instructions: Encourage underarm tossing with focus on hand-eye coordination, gentle release, and catching softly.
Variation: Older or more able pupils can increase distance or try one-handed catches.
Teacher Role: Model correct technique; provide feedback emphasizing gentle catches and consistent toss distance.

5. Cool-Down & Reflection (7 minutes)

Cool-Down: Gentle walking around the space with mindful breathing; shake out limbs to relax muscles.
Reflection Circle: Sit down in a circle; pupils share one thing they enjoyed and one skill they want to practice more.
Teacher prompts: Reinforce the importance of fundamental movement skills for all active games and daily life. Praise effort and teamwork.

Assessment & Differentiation

Formative Assessment:
- Teacher observes individual pupil ability during relay, jumping, and tossing activities.
- Encourages self-assessment by asking pupils how well they think they performed and what they found tricky.
Differentiation:
- Adjust relay running distance or number of laps for less/more confident runners.
- Provide larger hoops or closer spacing for balance support.
- Use larger, softer beanbags for pupils with less hand-eye coordination.
- Provide visual cues and peer buddies for guidance and encouragement.

Health & Safety Considerations

Check the play area for hazards before starting.
Emphasise safe spatial awareness during running and jumping.
Use soft equipment to reduce injury risk.
Ensure pupils warm up before intensive activity.

Extension Ideas (To use in future lessons)

Introduce games incorporating combined skills (e.g., obstacle courses that require running, jumping, tossing).
Introduce rhythm and timing in movement using music.
Link fundamental movements to popular sports (football dribbling, basketball passing).

Teacher Reflection Notes

Note which pupils may need additional support with coordination and planning.
Evaluate timing and engagement levels; adjust next lesson plans accordingly.
Consider incorporating technology (video clips or pupil self-recording) for feedback in future lessons.

This lesson plan follows the Curriculum for Excellence by nurturing physical confidence, foundational motor skills, and social communication for young learners through creative, inclusive practice. It sets a positive tone for the entire unit on Fundamental Movement Skills.