Jumping and Landing

Overview

This 30-minute lesson is designed for Reception children (ages 4-5) as the third session in the "Fundamental Movement Fun" unit. It focuses on developing safe and effective jumping and landing skills using engaging, age-appropriate activities involving hula hoops and soft mats. The lesson aligns with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Physical Development goals, particularly those centred on developing gross motor skills, spatial awareness, and safe movement.

Curriculum Links

• EYFS Physical Development: Moving and Handling
  • Children show increasing control over an object in pushing, patting, throwing, catching or kicking it.
  • Children move confidently in a range of ways, safely negotiating space.
  • They show an understanding of the importance of physical activity and making healthy choices.
• UK National Curriculum Key Stage 1 (for progression insights)
  • Master basic movements including jumping and landing.
  • Develop fundamental movement skills that provide a solid base for more complex PE skills.

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Learning Outcomes

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

• Demonstrate basic jumping and landing techniques with increased control and safety.
• Understand and show awareness of spatial relationships and personal space during activities.
• Enjoy physical activity through imaginative and cooperative play.

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Resources

• 10 brightly coloured hula hoops
• 5 soft mats arranged for safe landings
• Cones or markers to create boundaries
• Large visual cue cards with simple jumping/landing pictures
• Music player with upbeat, child-friendly songs

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Lesson Structure

1. Warm-Up (5 minutes)

Activity: Animal Jumping

• Gather children in a circle.
• Teacher calls out different animals (e.g., frogs, kangaroos, rabbits), and children jump like that animal, encouraging imaginative movement and gentle practice of jumping.
• Emphasise soft landings by bending knees.
• Incorporate music for rhythm and movement motivation.

Teaching Tip: Use simple language and model the actions clearly.

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2. Introduction to Jumping and Landing (5 minutes)

Talk and Demonstrate

• Show visual cue cards illustrating the correct way to jump (bend knees, arms forward, push up) and land (bend knees to absorb impact, feet flat).
• Use a mat to demonstrate a safe jumping and landing from a low height (e.g., stepping down from a small platform or knee height).
• Use simple key phrases: "Bend your knees," "Soft landing," "Arms help balance."

Safety Focus: Explain why landing softly is important in an age-appropriate way (e.g., "It keeps us safe and stops ouchies").

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3. Main Activity (15 minutes)

Activity 1: Hula Hoop Jumps (7 minutes)

• Place hula hoops scattered across the hall/play area.
• Children jump from one hoop to the next, aiming to land inside each hoop.
• Encourage bending knees when landing and using arms to balance.
• Vary distances between hoops to suit different abilities: nearer hoops for those less confident, further apart for challenge.
• Use counting: "Let's jump three times in a row!" to develop focus and sequencing.

Differentiation: Support less confident jumpers with hand-holding or shorter jumps.

Activity 2: Soft Mat Landing Challenge (8 minutes)

• Arrange soft mats to form a jumping course. For example, jump from cone to cone, then land on a mat.
• Introduce “Jump and Freeze” — children must jump and hold their landing pose (bent knees, arms balanced) for 2 seconds before moving on.
• Peer praise encouraged: children can give a thumbs-up when a friend demonstrates good landing.
• Emphasise fun and effort over perfection.

Extension: For eager children, challenge with small jumps off the side of a low platform or step onto a mat.

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4. Cool-Down and Reflection (5 minutes)

Activity: Stretching and Breathing

• Guide children through gentle stretches (arms up, touch toes, side stretches).
• Lead a short breathing exercise: "Breathe in like a dragon, breathe out like steam."
• Sit in a circle and ask a few children: "What did you like about jumping today?" and "How can we land safely?"
• Reinforce key safety message gently and positively.

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Assessment and Observations

• Teacher observes children’s ability to bend knees, control landings, and maintain balance.
• Note confidence levels and willingness to participate actively.
• Use ongoing formative assessment to tailor next lessons in the unit.

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Teacher Notes

• Keep language simple and instructions clear.
• Use positive reinforcement and encourage peer support.
• Maintain a safe and organised environment.
• Use music and imagination to keep children engaged and motivated.
• Ensure children have appropriate footwear and space is free from hazards.

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Next Lesson Preview

In Lesson 4: “Balancing and Coordination,” children will build on safe landing by developing balance on beams and coordination through obstacle courses, continuing the progression of fundamental movement skills.

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By integrating imaginative play, clear demonstrations, and scaffolded challenges, this lesson develops essential physical literacy in young children while fostering a love of movement and play that supports healthy development.