Ahtletics Relays - Lesson Plan

The second lesson in the Athletics unit for Year 4 focuses on developing relay skills, specifically the technique of sprinting with baton changes, understanding timing, speed matching, and judging performances. The resources required for this lesson include cones, hoops, bean bags, and batons, along with literacy elements that incorporate vocabulary such as 'maximum speed', 'accelerate', 'decelerate', and 'pacing'. The success criteria set for the students are to run at speed while passing on an object, to adjust their speed to match others, and to evaluate good performances, noting differences between them.

The warm-up exercise, 'Fast Feet', lasting 5 minutes, involves a variety of movements within a hoop to raise heart rates, including stepping in and out, running around, and hopping, with an element of competition to find the fastest completion. The main activity, spanning 15 minutes, focuses on reaction time and running. Pupils practice starting from different positions and refine their technique towards a crouch start, emphasizing the explosive nature of a sprint start. In the 10-minute 'Relay Running as a Team' activity, pupils work in groups of four to explore baton passing and speed matching, initially using a tag system before progressing to using batons. The lesson concludes with a 5-minute 'Sleeping Lions' cool-down, where pupils perform stretches and engage in Think.Pair.Share, providing feedback on each other's techniques, identifying strengths and areas for improvement.