Obstacle Course Adventure

Curriculum Information

• Subject: Physical Education (PE)
• Unit: Strider Bike Adventures (Lesson 6 of 7)
• Age Group: Kindergarten (Reception, EYFS – Early Years Foundation Stage)
• UK Curriculum Alignment: Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework
  • Physical Development: Moving and handling – Develop gross motor skills, coordination, and balance
  • Personal, Social & Emotional Development: Building confidence in movement and managing space safely

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Lesson Objectives

By the end of this session, students will:

1. Demonstrate control while manoeuvring around an obstacle course.
2. Practise balance, gliding, turning, and stopping with increasing confidence.
3. Recognise personal space and move safely around peers.
4. Develop independence in navigating a set path with minimal assistance.

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Equipment Needed

• 16 Strider bikes (balance bikes)
• Cones for marking the course
• Soft play tunnels or hoops for navigating under/through
• Low ramps or foam blocks for stepping over
• Floor markers (spots, arrows, or chalk lines) for direction guidance

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Lesson Structure (30 Minutes)

1. Warm-Up (5 Minutes) – Animal Movements

Objective: Prepare muscles and improve coordination

1. Gather students in a circle.
2. Call out different animal movements for them to imitate:
   • Frog jumps (develops leg strength)
   • Flamingo stands (practises balance)
   • Bunny hops (enhances coordination)
   • Cheetah runs (encourages controlled speed)
3. Transition by introducing the Strider bikes and reminding students about safety rules.

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2. Skill Review & Demonstration (5 Minutes) – Bike Basics

Objective: Reinforce balance, gliding, turning, and stopping

1. Quickly review key skills:
   • Mounting & dismounting the bike safely
   • Balancing with feet off the ground (glide method)
   • Turning with control around a small marked circle
   • Stopping safely using their feet
2. Teacher demonstrates each skill before students practise alongside.

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3. Main Activity (15 Minutes) – Obstacle Course Challenge

Objective: Apply learned skills in a structured environment

Setup:

• Create a path using cones, tunnels, ramps, and floor markers.
• Design the course to encourage different skills (e.g., weaving through cones for turning, a ramp for balance, a stop zone for controlled stopping).

Instructions:

1. Divide students into pairs – one rides while the other observes, then they switch.
2. One at a time, students ride through the course, focusing on controlled movements.
3. Encourage students to cheer for their partners and offer feedback.
4. Gradually increase difficulty (e.g., introduce a "slow zone" where they must glide for a few seconds).
5. Reinforce personal space awareness – no bumping or overtaking unsafely.

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4. Cool-Down (5 Minutes) – Ride & Reflect

Objective: Wind down and reinforce learning

1. Free ride in a defined space for enjoyment.
2. Gather in a circle and discuss:
   • What was the most fun part of the obstacle course?
   • What was the hardest skill to use?
   • How did they ensure they were riding safely around others?
3. Stretching routine using bike-themed moves (e.g., "handlebar reach" for arms, "tyre touch" for hamstrings).

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Assessment & Differentiation

Assessment Criteria:

✔ Can they balance and glide confidently?
✔ Can they navigate turns and stops safely?
✔ Do they respect personal space while riding?
✔ Do they listen to and apply safety rules?

Differentiation Strategies:

• For students who need extra support: Offer hand-held guidance or a simplified version of the course.
• For more advanced students: Introduce a small challenge (e.g., riding one-handed briefly or stopping precisely on a marked spot).

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Safety Considerations

• Helmets to be worn at all times.
• Students reminded to watch for others and keep a safe distance.
• Clear visual boundaries set to prevent straying outside the safe zone.

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Teacher Reflection

• What skills did students struggle with the most?
• Did students show improvement in personal space awareness?
• Were students engaged throughout the activity?
• How could the obstacle course be modified for the next lesson?

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This structured, engaging lesson ensures all early learners build confidence and enjoy movement in a safe, fun environment. 🎉🚴‍♂️