Athletics - Lesson 2

In the second athletics lesson for Year 2, pupils are set to develop their spatial awareness alongside their ability to gauge height and distance. The session's objectives are for the children to be able to navigate obstacles at speed, move over hurdles in a competitive environment, and to understand the concept of 'stride length'. The lesson is supported by a variety of equipment including mini-hurdles, cones, ropes, hoops, and batons or beanbags. Key terms such as 'obstacles', 'hurdles', and 'strides' are introduced, ensuring that the pupils are familiar with the language of athletics.

The lesson is structured into three main parts: a warm-up, the main activity, and a cool down. The warm-up involves a dynamic activity called 'Don't touch it!' where pupils navigate various objects without making contact, using different movements like hopping, bounding, and jumping. In the main section, 'Count the strides' and 'Hurdle relays' exercises challenge the children to clear hurdles while counting their strides and participating in relay races with specific rules. These activities not only enhance physical skills but also incorporate elements of competition and strategy. The session ends with a 'Sprint start' cool down, where pupils practice sprinting from a starting block position. Throughout the lesson, key teaching points emphasise the importance of maintaining speed and momentum while navigating obstacles, as well as the coordination of arms and legs.