Catching and Throwing - Lesson 4

In Reception's fourth lesson on Catching & Throwing, the children aim to master catching different sized balls using the 'cup' technique. The lesson's success criteria set clear objectives: pupils will develop skills in bouncing and catching a ball, specifically a tennis ball, and demonstrate the correct 'cup' technique for catching. The key vocabulary introduced includes 'catching', 'throwing', 'bouncing', 'cup', 'hands together', and 'underarm'. To facilitate the activities, the lesson plan lists essential equipment such as hoops, large balls, tennis balls, ropes, markers, and beanbags. The warm-up involves a series of forward and backward movements across different distances, with an emphasis on looking behind when walking backwards and swinging arms when running forwards.

The main part of the lesson is a 30-minute session divided into pairs catching and Move & Bounce activities. Pupils work in pairs to practice underarm throwing and catching with large balls, tennis balls, and beanbags, focusing on adjusting their hand's 'cup' size to the ball and watching the ball into their hands. Teachers are advised to demonstrate the 'cup' technique and encourage pupils to score points for successful catches. In the Move & Bounce segment, pupils navigate an area filled with hoops, bouncing balls into them and catching them. They are encouraged to aim for precision and control in their bounces. The lesson concludes with a cool-down activity called 'Steering Wheel', where pupils pair up and take turns leading each other around the area using a hoop, reinforcing the concept of following and leading through movement.