Obstacle Course Plan Garden: Free Printable Planner for Reception
Obstacle Course Plan Garden is a free printable planner for Reception (reception | ages 4 to 5), in Early Years Foundation Stage. Plan a garden course and draw each stop. It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, a growing library of free printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795.
It is two A4 pages. Page 1 is the activity for children. Page 2 is for the grown-up: it has notes on how to use the sheet, help for children who find it hard, and a stretch idea. Print it at home or in the classroom. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
This planner includes boxes for drawing or notes.
A look at what children will meet:
- Start
- Jump
- Crawl
- Finish
Who this is for
Reception (reception | ages 4 to 5) in Early Years Foundation Stage.
The Early Years Foundation Stage runs from birth to the end of Reception, up to age 5. Children learn best through play, talk and hands-on activity, so this sheet is designed to be shared with a grown-up. Use it at home, in class, on a rainy afternoon or at a family gathering.
What children practise
- Planning
- Moving
- Talking about ideas
Plan a course using movements such as jumping and crawling.
Learning focus and curriculum link
Subject: Physical Development. Key stage: Early Years Foundation Stage. It supports the subject at this level through short, focused practice.
This sheet is a practice and play activity. It supports classroom learning and is not a replacement for it.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for the child. Keep page 2 for the grown-up.
- A grown-up helps to set up the course and checks it is safe.
- Work through the activity together the first time. Talk about each choice.
- Check against the notes on page 2.
- Come back to it another day. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence.
If it feels too hard
Say what you will do at each stop.
To stretch confident children
Add a balance stop.
Make it a game
Time how long it takes to go round.
Tips for parents and teachers
- Print on plain A4 paper. Black and white printing works too.
- Work through it together the first time, then let children try alone.
- Praise effort and thinking, not only correct answers.
A screen-free physical development activity for Reception
Children spend a lot of time on screens. This is a screen-free physical development activity that needs only paper and a pencil. It works as quiet time after school, a rainy day activity, a holiday boredom buster or a calm moment before bed. Screen-free learning gives eyes a rest and gets children talking, thinking and writing by hand.
Free physical development resources for teachers
Teachers can use this planner as a starter, a plenary, an early finisher task, a supply teacher resource, a homework task or a table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing. The learning focus and skills are listed above so you can match it to your planning, and page 2 gives support and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups.
Physical Development ideas for parents at home
You do not need to be a teacher to use this. Read the sheet through, sit with your child for the first go and let them lead. Short bursts of ten to fifteen minutes work better than long sessions. If you are looking for free physical development worksheets for Reception, or simple home learning for the weekend or school holidays, this is a good place to start.
Home education and tutoring
Home educators and tutors can print this as part of a wider physical development plan. It pairs well with books, outdoor play and everyday talk. Because the sheet is free and printable, you can use it again for brothers and sisters or for revision a few weeks later.
Why it helps children learn
Hands-on, paper based activities slow learning down in a good way. Children read carefully, think before they answer and see their own progress on the page. Games and challenges add a reason to keep going. That mix of play and practice is why printable activities like this are popular with parents, teachers and home educators.
Curriculum links for teachers
This sheet supports the areas below. It is matched to the published England frameworks. Please check it against your own school plan.
| Framework | Subject or area | Strand | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Years Foundation Stage | Physical Development | Gross Motor Skills | Early Years |
What children will be able to do
- I can plan a course with different moves.
- I can jump, crawl and balance safely.
- I can tell a friend how to do my course.
Check it worked
Ask these when the sheet is finished. Listen for the reasoning, not just the answer.
- What move comes first in your course, and what comes next?
- How could you make one part of the course harder?
- How do you keep yourself and your friends safe on the course?
Play it for real
Jaques of London has made games and toys since 1795. These go well with this sheet:
Frequently asked questions
What age is Obstacle Course Plan Garden for?
It is written for Reception (reception | ages 4 to 5), in Early Years Foundation Stage.
What will children practise?
Plan a course using movements such as jumping and crawling.
How do I use it?
A grown-up helps to set up the course and checks it is safe.
What if it feels too hard?
Say what you will do at each stop.
Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use.
Is Obstacle Course Plan Garden suitable for teachers to use in class?
Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing.
Is this a screen-free activity?
Yes. It is a screen-free printable that needs only paper and a pencil, so it works well for quiet time, rainy days and school holidays.
Can I use it for home education?
Yes. Home educators and tutors can use it on its own or as part of a wider plan. It is free to print again for brothers, sisters or revision.
How long does it take?
Most children finish page 1 in 10 to 20 minutes. The notes on page 2 suggest ways to make it shorter or longer.
Do I need to print in colour?
No. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper.
More free printables
More Summer printables | More for Early Years Foundation Stage | More physical development printables | Free printable games | All Mini Minds Hub resources