New
New
Year 2

Zigzag pathways

I can create a sequence of movements that flow while travelling along a zigzag pathway.

New
New
Year 2

Zigzag pathways

I can create a sequence of movements that flow while travelling along a zigzag pathway.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: linking movements on zigzag pathways requires control when moving side to side and changing direction with flow.
  2. Move: adding balances to our quality movements on zigzag pathways requires control, pointed fingers and toes and flow.
  3. Think: trying different ideas to link together on a zigzag pathway shows imagination and decision making.
  4. Connect: helping others to improve when they struggle to perform movements shows great empathy.
  5. Feel: consistently trying our hardest and striving to improve the quality of our movements demonstrates courage.

Keywords

  • Zigzag - a line or route with abrupt alternate right and left turns

  • Pathway - the route (or path) from one place to another

  • Control - performing movements silently and keeping muscles tight

Common misconception

Pupils only stand on 1 leg when asked to add a balance, or perform a straight jump off apparatus.

Encourage creativity by suggesting balances on different body parts or at different levels and remind them of a variety of jumps. Celebrate creativity.


To help you plan your year 2 physical education lesson on: Zigzag pathways, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

When talking to pupils between practices, ensure they 'stand like a gymnast'- with their feet together, hands by their sides, muscles tight and standing tall. This will show you who has good body control and it is good for behaviour management.
Teacher tip

Equipment

30+ floor markers, 10-15 tall cones, chalk (optional)

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Which gymnastics action do we hold still?
Correct answer: a balance
a jump
a movement
Q2.
What part of the head touches the floor in a forward roll?
Correct answer: the back
the front
the side
Q3.
What do we call a combination of linked actions?
Correct answer: a sequence
a series
a skill
Q4.
How do we show control in gymnastics?
being noisy
Correct answer: being silent
falling over

Assessment exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
What do we call the route from one place to another?
forest
Correct answer: pathway
sequence
Q2.
How can we describe a straddle shape?
curled
narrow
Correct answer: wide
Q3.
How do we move in a zigzag pathway?
front to back
Correct answer: side to side
up and down
Q4.
Why do we balance on a variety of body parts?
Correct answer: to be creative
to be fair
to be grateful

Additional material

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