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Linear/curved pathways: journey by foot

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can travel along linear and curving pathways and create linear and curved shapes with control.

Key learning points

  1. Move: travelling between locations involves using linear or curved pathways with control.
  2. Move: creating shapes in curved and linear ways requires balance and control, holding the body still.
  3. Think: imagination enables us to picture the setting we are working in to create our actions.
  4. Feel: self-belief gives us confidence to try new ideas.
  5. Connect: avoiding others to ensure they have sufficient space requires empathy.

Keywords

  • Curved - rounded or smooth

  • Linear - in a straight, direct line

  • Pathways - the route between places

Common misconception

Pupils think that linear pathways should follow the outline of the room.

Whilst there is an obvious logic to using the orientation and basic shape of the room, linear pathways can bisect the space in any way. They must simply be straight lines.

Teacher tip

Placing rubber spots on the floor can enable pupils to travel around them to create curving pathways or travel straight from one to another to form direct pathways.

Equipment

Additional material: suggested music

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
(Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

4 Questions

Q1.
What type of action enables us to change direction?

Correct answer: a turn
a jump
a stretch

Q2.
What does contrast mean?

the same
Correct answer: different
colourful

Q3.
What word describes two people performing together?

a rosette
a poet
Correct answer: a duet

Q4.
What is trusting your ideas an example of?

Correct answer: self-belief
friendship
teamwork

4 Questions

Q1.
When we create shapes with our body, how do we show balance and control?

We move around.
We wobble.
Correct answer: We are still.

Q2.
What will help us to make good decisions?

empathy
concentration
Correct answer: self-belief

Q3.
What type of pathway would you use if travelling through a crowd?

linear
Correct answer: curving
being still

Q4.
What is another word for linear?

Correct answer: straight
curved
random

To help you plan your 1 physical education lesson on: Linear/curved pathways: journey by foot, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...