Early Stage 1: Fundamental Running Skills Lesson Plan

Learning Intentions

• Students will demonstrate the ability to move safely in a designated space.
• Students will practice running with an upright posture and coordinated arm swing.
• Students will learn to start and stop on command.

Warm-Up: The "Follow the Leader" Nature Walk (5-7 Minutes)

To begin, students gather in a circle. The teacher leads a slow jog around the perimeter of the field or hall. During this time, incorporate movement variations to prime the muscles:

• Walk on tiptoes (strengthening ankles).
• March with high knees (improving hip mobility).
• Gentle side-shuffling (lateral movement awareness).

The goal is to increase heart rate gradually while ensuring students are aware of the boundaries of the play space.

Skill Development: The Mechanics of Running (10 Minutes)

Before independent running, introduce the "Run like a Rocket" concept:

1. Head Up: Eyes looking forward, not at the ground.
2. Arms Moving: "Tick-tock" motion, like a clock, swinging from the shoulder rather than across the body.
3. Soft Landing: Encouraging quiet feet to promote better balance and body control.

Practice these movements in place, standing still, before moving to a short, controlled demonstration where students jog 10 meters while mimicking the "Tick-tock" arm motion.

Main Activity: "Traffic Lights" (15 Minutes)

This classic game is excellent for teaching the critical skill of stopping safely while maintaining control.

• Green Light: Students jog around the space, focusing on arm swing and looking forward.
• Yellow Light: Students slow down to a brisk walk.
• Red Light: Students must stop immediately. Challenge them to maintain their balance without falling over.

Variations: Change the speed of the instructions to ensure students are listening closely. Introduce "Speedy Blue" (fast running) to test their ability to control their momentum when the command to stop is given.

Cool Down: The "Statue" Stretch (5 Minutes)

To transition back to the classroom, gather students for a calm-down session:

• Deep Breathing: Have students take three deep breaths, reaching for the sky as they inhale and letting their arms fall to their sides as they exhale.
• Static Stretches: Gentle calf stretches and reaching for the toes to help muscles recover.
• Review: Ask the students to explain one thing they focused on during the session (e.g., "I looked forward," or "I swung my arms").

Safety and Management Tips

• Ensure the surface is level and free of obstacles.
• Use visual cues like cones to define boundaries clearly.
• Prioritize "controlled speed" over "maximum speed" to prevent collisions.
• Always provide a "freeze" command that is distinct and easy for young children to hear over background noise.