Athletics - Lesson 1

In this Year 2 Athletics lesson, the primary objective is for pupils to develop an awareness of speed while running short distances. The lesson aims to teach control and fluency in running movements, appropriate pacing for short runs, and an understanding of the body's reaction to running. The key vocabulary introduced includes terms such as 'athletics', 'distance', 'speed', 'running', and 'control', among others. The necessary equipment for the lesson includes cones and bibs. The warm-up session, lasting 10 minutes, involves a fun 'Gearbox' activity where children explore different movements—walking, jogging, skipping, side-stepping, and running—corresponding to gear numbers which the teacher calls out. This activity not only warms up the children but also teaches them about movement control and coordination between arms and legs.

The main part of the lesson, which takes 35 minutes, consists of two activities: 'Train Carriages' and 'Sprints'. 'Train Carriages' is a group activity where children form 'trains' and navigate through 'train stations' marked by cones, with the front pupil leading and then rotating to allow each child a turn as leader. This exercise focuses on teamwork and maintaining a suitable speed for all group members. In 'Sprints', children are paired up and take turns sprinting to marked distances upon the teacher's command, enhancing their reaction time and sprinting technique. The lesson concludes with a 10-minute 'Cool Down' involving dynamic movements like skipping with high knees and lunges to help pupils relax their muscles. Throughout the lesson, 'Pupil Talk' segments encourage children to reflect on their experiences and the skills they've practiced, fostering a deeper understanding of athletics and sprinting.