Skill Based Challenges - Lesson 1

The first lesson in the Reception Skill Based Challenges series focuses on developing catching skills in young pupils, with the aim of helping them achieve personal bests through various catching exercises. The lesson is structured with clear learning objectives, which include the ability to throw and catch with consistency, to judge the height and weight of throws, and to reach set targets and scores. Key vocabulary such as 'throwing', 'underarm', 'aiming', and 'challenges' are introduced to enrich the children's understanding of the activities. The equipment required for this lesson includes hoops, beanbags, tennis balls, large balls, and cones.

The lesson begins with a warm-up game called 'Jump The River', where pupils follow commands to jump two-footed over a line of cones, simulating actions like 'fishing' and 'kayaking'. This is designed to sharpen listening skills and spatial awareness. The main part of the lesson involves four activities: 'Down The Line', 'Don’t Drop', 'Clap Catch', and 'Drop & Throw', each with specific key teaching points focusing on underarm throwing, eye coordination, and hand positioning. The lesson concludes with a 'Group Walk' cool down, where pupils help clear the equipment and then follow a leader in a line, maintaining the same pace. This final activity allows for a calm end to the session and a moment of reflection on the challenges faced during the lesson.