Movement Stations Mix

Overview

Age group: Reception (4-5 years)
Duration: 30 minutes
Class size: 25 students
Unit: Fundamental Movement Fun (Lesson 6 of 6)
Subject focus: Integration of running, jumping, throwing, and balancing skills

This lesson consolidates all fundamental movement skills that Reception pupils have developed, engaging them in a dynamic, multi-activity PE session. The lesson encourages physical confidence, coordination, and social interaction, all underpinning the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) physical development objectives.

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Curriculum Links and Standards

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Physical Development:

• Moving and Handling
  • Show control and coordination in large and small movements.
  • Move confidently and safely in a range of ways, negotiating space.
• Health and Self-care
  • Understand the importance of physical activity for health.

Physical Education (PE) National Curriculum Key Stage 1 (for transition reference):

• Master basic movements including running, jumping, throwing, catching, and balancing.
• Participate in team games, developing simple tactics.

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Learning Objectives

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

• Combine fundamental movement skills through varied physical challenges.
• Demonstrate improved coordination, balance, and spatial awareness.
• Work cooperatively, taking turns and sharing equipment.
• Express enjoyment and confidence in physical activity.

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Resources Needed

• Soft throwing balls (one per station)
• Cones (for marking spaces)
• Small balance beams or taped lines on the floor
• Hula hoops
• Soft bean bags
• Parachute (optional for cool down)
• Station signs displaying images and simple instructions (for independence)
• Whistle or timer for station rotation
• Music player or rhythm instrument for energising transitions

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Lesson Structure

Time	Activity	Details
0-5 mins	Warm-up and introduction	Circle time – name and movement game to energise
5-25 mins	Movement Stations (4 stations, 5 mins each)	Pupils rotate in small groups (5 per station)
25-28 mins	Group cool down and reflection	Gentle stretching and breathing exercises
28-30 mins	Review and praise	Recap skills and positive feedback

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Detailed Lesson Breakdown

0-5 mins: Warm-up and Introduction

• Gather pupils in a circle.
• Play a fast-paced name and movement game such as “Name and Action”: each child says their name and performs a movement (jump, run on the spot, balance), linked to skills learned this unit.
• Teacher highlights today’s focus: “We will have fun using running, jumping, throwing, and balancing at different stations!”

5-25 mins: Movement Stations

Organisation:

• 4 stations, 5 minutes per station, groups of 5 pupils.
• Teacher (and optionally an assistant) supervises and supports movement and safety.
• Clear visual instructions and demonstration at each station before rotation.

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Station 1: Running & Throwing – 'Target Dash'

• Set-up: Cones mark a short running sprint (6-8 metres).
• Activity: Pupils run to a cone, pick up a soft ball, and throw it underhand at a large target (e.g., cone stacks or a hoop on a wall). They then run back to tag the next person.
• Skills targeted: Sprint running, underarm throwing, hand-eye coordination.

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Station 2: Jumping & Balancing – 'Hop & Hold'

• Set-up: A line formed by tape or rope (balance line) and coloured mats placed at intervals (jump spots).
• Activity: Pupils hop along the mats on one foot, try to balance for 3 seconds on each mat, then jump off the final mat to a small landing zone.
• Skills targeted: Single-leg balance, hopping, landing control.

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Station 3: Throwing & Catching – 'Bean Bag Toss'

• Set-up: Pupils stand in pairs about 1.5 metres apart. Each pair has a soft bean bag.
• Activity: Pupils gently toss the bean bag to each other, stepping back after every successful catch to increase distance gradually.
• Skills targeted: Throwing accuracy, catching skills, eye coordination.

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Station 4: Balancing & Running – 'Balance Beam Relay'

• Set-up: Set up a low balance beam or a taped straight line on the floor.
• Activity: Pupils walk the beam carefully, then run to a cone and back before tagging the next peer.
• Skills targeted: Balance, control, spatial awareness, partner cooperation.

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25-28 mins: Cool Down and Reflection

• Lead the class in gentle stretches, focusing on legs, arms, and back.
• Use slow breathing exercises to calm the heart rate.
• Optional use of a parachute or soft ball rolling for sensory proprioception and calming.

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28-30 mins: Review and Praise

• Gather pupils for brief praise and reflection.
• Ask a few volunteers: “Which station did you enjoy the most?” and “Which skill do you feel you got better at?”
• Encourage use of movement vocabulary: jump, throw, balance, run, catch.
• Remind pupils to be proud of trying their best and being active.

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Differentiation and Inclusion

• For less confident movers: Adapt stations by reducing distances, providing extra time, or offering support.
• For more able pupils: Increase throwing distances or balance hold times.
• Provide visuals and demonstrate all activities to enhance understanding.
• Ensure equipment is safe and suitable for all pupils.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Teacher observes pupils’ ability to combine skills and their confidence across stations.
• Notes on turn-taking, cooperation, and movement control.
• Informal feedback given during and after activities.
• Use observations to inform future planning for physical development.

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Extension Ideas (if time permits)

• Create “Movement Stories” where pupils move like different animals (e.g., leap like a frog, balance like a flamingo) integrating learned skills.
• Incorporate simple music for rhythm-based jumping or running challenges.

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This session provides an energetic finale to the unit, celebrating pupils’ progress through movement, teamwork, and joyful play – perfectly aligned with EYFS goals and preparing pupils for Key Stage 1 Physical Education.