Jumping Vertically - Lesson Plan

In the third lesson of the Athletics unit for Year 2, pupils are set to learn and practice the art of jumping vertically. The lesson objectives include mastering the basic technique for achieving vertical height, understanding the differences between standing and running jumps, and recognising the contribution of different body parts, such as the use of arms and legs, in the jumping process. To aid in the lesson, resources such as cones, hoops, and resource cards that cover stretches and techniques for jumping for height are utilized. Pupils will aim to meet the success criteria by using their bodies to jump upwards effectively, taking running jumps, and employing their arms to help launch their bodies higher.

The lesson begins with a warm-up activity called 'Jump the Stream', lasting 5 minutes, where pupils practice various combinations of jumps over a marked 'stream' created with cones or markers. This warm-up includes group stretches aimed at maintaining balance and using arm swings to generate momentum. The main activity, lasting 12-15 minutes, involves experimenting with jumping for height from standing and running positions, landing inside hoops, and jumping out of hoops to form shapes in the air. The teaching points emphasize the importance of a swinging motion with the arms to aid take-off and the need for quick action to land safely. The second activity focuses on jumping with apparatus over a 10-minute duration, where pupils jump onto or off low benches and over small obstacles like cones and mini-hurdles, with an emphasis on maintaining balance and understanding the role of arms and legs. The lesson concludes with a 'Shoe Pass' cool down for 5 minutes, incorporating different combinations of stretches and deep breathing, whilst discussing the concept of flexibility.