New
New
Lesson 7 of 12
  • Year 3

Changes in direction

I can create a sequence that flows and includes a range of movements and balances, incorporating a change in direction between the actions.

Lesson 7 of 12
New
New
  • Year 3

Changes in direction

I can create a sequence that flows and includes a range of movements and balances, incorporating a change in direction between the actions.

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.

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

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: sequences include changes in direction, using turns to change direction with fluidity and flow.
  2. Think: experimenting to ascertain the best way to change direction in a sequence requires decision making.
  3. Connect: trying a range of ideas for changing direction and picking the best ideas requires trust and cooperation.
  4. Feel: committing to trying a range of ideas even if we are finding it challenging demonstrates responsibility.

Keywords

  • Direction - changing the course along which you are moving

  • Turn - changing the direction your body is facing

  • Flow - moving from one action to another without stopping

Common misconception

Some pupils might suggest that rolling or cartwheeling is a turn to change direction.

Although a body rotates during a roll or cartwheel, it moves along one course, facing the same direction at the start and finish. This lesson focusses on changing the course that we are moving along which is achieved through turns and spins.


To help you plan your year 3 physical education lesson on: Changes in direction, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Shoulder rolls and straddle rolls are introduced in the Yr2 Gymnastics unit. Both begin by rolling onto the back of one shoulder. For safety reasons pupils should only spin on their feet or bottom. Imagining string running vertically from your head can help to visualise a vertical axis for a turn.
Teacher tip

Equipment

mats, dice

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 of these is a direction of travel?

Correct answer: forward
low
sudden

Q2.
What can we do if we are unsure of the best way to do something?

don't join in
Correct answer: experiment safely
take unsafe risks

Q3.
Which of these words describes someone who always works to the best of their ability?

recycle
result
Correct answer: responsible

Q4.
What skills are essential for working cooperatively with others?

balance
performing somersaults
Correct answer: trust

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Which of these skills starts facing forward and finishes facing a different direction.

backward roll
cartwheel
Correct answer: half turn jump

Q2.
Which of these is the smallest turn?

Correct answer: one quarter
half
three quarters

Q3.
Which of these is a direction you can turn your body?

Correct answer: anti-clockwise
spin
crouch

Q4.
What helps to find the best combination of movement for a flowing sequence?

Correct answer: try different ideas
only use balances
always turn clockwise