🎵

Lesson 2 - Circus Poem Movement Creation

Creative Circus Storytelling Through Movement and Dance

•

Nursery

•

Dance

•

30 min

Big Question

How can words from a poem inspire us to create beautiful circus movements?

Learning Objectives

To listen carefully to the poem and be creative with our movements
To move safely in space taking care of ourselves and others

Key Outcomes

Students will use a poem to develop the second 12 counts of their 'Circus' motif
Students will express feelings through movement inspired by poetry
Students will demonstrate safe movement in shared space

Equipment & Resources Required

Cards

4 circus-themed cards

Place one card in each corner of the room before lesson

Alternative: Printed circus images, hand-drawn pictures

Tunnel Systems

1 speaker with clear sound

Test all tracks before lesson begins

Alternative: Bluetooth speaker, tablet with good volume

Poems

1 large print version

Ensure all children can see the text clearly

Alternative: Display on screen, multiple copies

Key Vocabulary

Motif

A short dance sequence that can be repeated

Choreograph

To make up or create dance movements

Unison

When everyone does the same movement at the same time

Levels

High, middle and low positions in dance

Dynamics

How we perform movements - fast, slow, strong, gentle

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic awareness of body parts and simple movements
Ability to follow simple instructions
Understanding of starting positions and stopping

Current Skills

Expressing feelings through movement
Creating movements inspired by words and sounds
Working collaboratively in dance

Next Steps

Developing more complex choreographic sequences
Performing with greater confidence and expression
Understanding dance terminology and concepts

Milestone Indicators

Child creates own movement ideas spontaneously

Child can repeat movement sequences accurately

Child shows awareness of others when moving

Key Teaching Points

Poetry can inspire beautiful, creative movement expressions
Safe movement requires heads up, eyes forward, and awareness of others
Every circus performer (child) brings unique creativity to the performance
Counting and timing help create coordinated group performances
Giving and receiving feedback helps everyone improve and feel valued
Creative expression has no 'wrong' answers when safety is maintained
Building sequences through practice creates confidence and skill

Common Misconceptions

Some children may think there's only one 'right' way to interpret the poem - emphasise that creativity means different ideas are valuable
Children might believe they need to copy others exactly - reinforce that individual interpretation makes performances special
Some may think feedback means finding faults - teach that good feedback celebrates what works well
Children might assume complex movements are better - emphasise that clear, expressive simple movements are excellent
Some may believe they can't dance if they don't know 'proper' steps - reassure that everyone can express creativity through movement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear physical boundaries, offer fidget alternatives during listening time, praise frequently

dyspraxia

Simplify movement sequences, provide extra practice time, break down complex movements into smaller parts, offer bilateral support

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet space if needed, use visual schedule for lesson sections, allow processing time

visual impairment

Use clear verbal descriptions of all movements, provide tactile guidance for positioning, pair with sighted buddy for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, employ simple hand signals, position close to teacher, provide written or pictorial instructions

physical disability

Adapt movements to seated or supported positions, focus on achievable movement patterns, provide alternative ways to express creativity

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Poetry appreciation, vocabulary development, listening skills, creative expression through language interpretation

Art

Visual interpretation of words, understanding how images inspire movement, creating artistic expression through body

Music

Moving to rhythm and beat, understanding tempo and phrasing, appreciating different musical styles

PSHE

Building confidence through performance, giving and receiving feedback respectfully, working cooperatively in groups

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location during teaching, moving to edges during movement exploration for safety supervision

Observation Focus

Watch for creative expression, safe movement patterns, group cooperation, and individual confidence levels

Intervention Points

Step in if movements become unsafe, provide encouragement for hesitant children, redirect off-task behaviour positively

Demonstration Notes

Use large, clear movements that all children can see, exaggerate facial expressions to show engagement, model appreciation for children's ideas

Verbal Cues

•'Heads up, eyes forward for safe circus movements!'
•'Let the words paint pictures in your mind!'
•'Every circus performer is different and special!'
•'Show me your amazing circus creativity!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 6m x 8m clear space, suitable for 30 children to move safely

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles, appropriate for barefoot or soft-soled movement

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Picture cards securely attached to walls in corners
•Music equipment positioned safely away from movement area
•No loose equipment on floor during movement activities

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during warm-up movement and corners game
•Over-enthusiastic movements during poem exploration
•Tripping during transitions between activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and reinforced throughout lesson
•Adequate spacing maintained during all movement activities
•Progressive building from gentle to more energetic movements
•Constant supervision and guidance for safe movement

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during corners game
•Move around during movement exploration to guide individuals
•Central position during motif teaching for clear demonstration

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid and comfort, seek additional help if needed