Planning SessionsKaren Vaughan Jones

What should we know before planning activities?

• Experience, previous• Equipment and space available• Time and duration of activity• Expectations• Participants

Think Safety• Make sure:• There is a safe playing environment, free from

dangerous obstacles or surfaces• Equipment is in good condition and suitable for

the children using it.• You include suitable warm up’s and warm down’s.• The environment is user friendly for children with

a reduced range of mobility• and sensory abilities.• Sensory impaired children have an orientated into

the playing area• You agree suitable start, finish and emergency

signals for hearing impaired• children.

Think Planning

• Make sure that sessions have been planned carefully to include all of the children who attend.

• Prepare all of the equipment you will need and allow plenty of preparation time before each session.

• Children will enjoy sessions that are:• Well prepared• Well structured• Challenging

Think organisation

• Prevent problems with good organisation.

• Get help quickly of anything goes wrong but keep control.

• Children enjoy well structured sessions where they know what is expected of them.

• Create a visible area where children go if they need to rest.

Think Responsibility • Work within your own capabilities and ask for help if

necessary. Be aware of each• individual child for whom you are responsible and follow the

correct procedures if you• have any concerns about them. Be careful not to put

yourself at risk.• • Ensure children know who they can speak if they have a

problem.• • Encourage children to be responsible for each other as

well as• themselves.• Think about each session you deliver- How could it have

been better? And• what might you do differently next time? Think FUN if the

children enjoy• their first hockey session they will develop good sporting

habits for life.

Think Time

• Think about the timings of the activities

• Think about the time you arrive • Think how long you spend on each

activity

Activity

• Think which questions you might want to ask yourself before planning any physical activity session

• Divide the questions to two groups – checklist and resources

Checklist1. Who’s coming to the session?2. How many?3. What ages?4. Any special needs? - medical, mobility, sensory,

learning needs5. How many volunteers/ adults?6. Have you got a suitable adult: child ratio?7. Does each adult know what their responsibility/

role will be?8. Do you have parent/ guardian contact details in

case of emergency?9. How long will the session last?

Resources

1. Is the space indoors or out?2. Has a risk assessment been done, removing any

dangers?3. Where is the first aid equipment and who is a

qualified first aider?4. Are you aware of the emergency procedures for

the venue?5. If the session is outside, do you have a wet

weather plan?6. Is there sufficient equipment for the number of

children attending?7. Have you checked the condition of the

equipment?

Evaluating the session

Ask the children;• What have they enjoyed the most?• What have they learnt?• What did they not enjoy?• What would they like to do next time?Reflect on the session yourself;• What you thought went well?• What would you do differently next time?• What have you learnt form the session,

about the children and your own skills?

Finally …

• Body Language• Remember that you are a role model • Positive body language is crucial • Enjoy your sessions!