Safe Stopping Skills

Curriculum Area and Level

Subject: Physical Education (PE)
Curriculum: UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework
Area of Learning: Physical Development – Moving and Handling
Development Matters Goal: Children show good control and coordination in large and small movements. They move confidently in a range of ways, safely negotiating space.

Lesson Overview

Unit: Strider Bike Adventures
Lesson Number: 5 of 7
Duration: 30 minutes
Class Size: 16 students
Objective:

• To learn how to stop safely using feet while riding a Strider Bike.
• To develop control and coordination when coming to a stop.
• To understand the importance of safe choices while riding.

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Warm-Up (5 minutes) – "Engine Start and Stop"

Objective: Prepare the body for riding while reinforcing stopping cues.

1. Gather students in a large circle with their Strider Bikes.
2. Explain that they are "engines" that can start and stop on command.
3. Call out "Start your engine!" – students jog in place while holding their handlebars.
4. Call out "Stop!" – students freeze in place and put their feet firmly on the ground.
5. Repeat at different speeds (slow, medium, fast) to build reaction time.

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2. Explanation & Demonstration (5 minutes) – "Safe Stopping"

Objective: Introduce and model safe stopping using feet.

1. Instructor demonstrates riding slowly on the Strider Bike.
2. Emphasise three key steps:
   • Look ahead – See where you're going.
   • Slow down – Use feet lightly to drag and decrease speed.
   • Stop fully – Press feet firmly to the ground and come to a complete stop.
3. Reinforce the idea with the phrase: "Look, Slow, Stop!"
4. Select a confident student volunteer to model stopping correctly.

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3. Guided Practice (10 minutes) – "Traffic Light Game"

Objective: Students practise controlled stopping in response to signals.

1. Mark out a riding track using cones or chalk.
2. All students start riding slowly in a single large loop.
3. Teacher holds up coloured paddles or calls out instructions:
   • Green – Keep riding at a slow, controlled speed.
   • Yellow – Begin slowing down using feet.
   • Red – Must stop completely with feet flat on the ground.
4. Repeat the game several times with varying speeds.

Transition: Ask students how stopping felt – was it smooth, jerky, or tricky? Encourage reflection.

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4. Application Activity (7 minutes) – "Stop at the Station"

Objective: Reinforce stopping in a fun, structured environment.

1. Set up 3-4 ‘stations’ (e.g., "School", "Shop", "Playground") using signs or pictures.
2. Students ride in a controlled manner to each location.
3. As they approach, remind them: "Look, Slow, Stop!" before "arriving" at the station.
4. Allow them to interact briefly (wave, chat) before moving to the next station.

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5. Cool Down & Reflection (3 minutes) – "Park Your Bike"

Objective: Gradually bring energy levels down and reflect on learning.

1. Students slowly roll to a stop and ‘park’ their bikes in a designated area.
2. Ask reflective questions:
   • "Why is stopping safely important?"
   • "What was tricky about stopping?"
   • "How can we make sure we stop safely every time?"
3. Praise effort and highlight great stopping skills.

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Assessment & Differentiation

Formative Assessment Strategies:

• Observe students during activities to see if they apply "Look, Slow, Stop!"
• Provide verbal feedback and encouragement.
• Celebrate students who improve control and confidence.

Differentiation:

• Support: Work one-on-one with students who struggle, giving extra practice with balance and stopping.
• Challenge: Introduce stopping at different speeds or turning before stopping for confident riders.

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Resources and Equipment

✅ 16 Strider Bikes
✅ Cones or chalk for marking riding tracks
✅ Red, yellow, and green paddles (or coloured cards)
✅ ‘Station’ signs (School, Shop, Playground)

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Key Vocabulary

🚲 Balance – Keeping steady while riding.
🚲 Slow Down – Using feet to gradually decrease speed.
🚲 Stop – Coming to a complete halt with feet on the ground.
🚲 Safe Choices – Making good decisions while riding.

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Teacher Reflection After Lesson

• Did all students successfully slow down and stop safely?
• What adjustments can be made for lesson 6 to support further progression?
• Were students engaged and confident while practising stopping skills?

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Next Lesson (Lesson 6): "Turning and Navigating Obstacles"

Building on stopping safely, students will learn how to make controlled turns and avoid obstacles while riding.

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This lesson ensures young learners develop crucial stopping skills in a structured, fun, and safe manner, building confidence for future riding success! 🚴‍♂️🎉