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Lesson 2 - Circus Poetry Movement

Circus Magic: Creative Storytelling Through Dance

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Reception

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Dance

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1h 1min

Big Question

How can poems inspire our bodies to tell circus stories through movement?

Learning Objectives

Listen carefully to poetry and respond with creative movement
Use body to express theme-related shapes, movements and feelings
Move safely in space whilst being creative and expressive

Key Outcomes

Students will create movements inspired by circus poetry
Students will combine movements to form the second part of their circus motif
Students will perform with confidence and give constructive feedback

Equipment & Resources Required

Cards

1 set of 4

Place one card in each corner of the space before lesson begins

Alternative: Hand-drawn pictures, printed images, or props representing circus acts

Music Player

Pre-load circus music tracks and test volume levels

Alternative: Tablet, phone with speaker, CD player

Poems

1 copy for teacher

Ensure all children can hear clearly when poem is read

Alternative: Written on whiteboard, displayed on screen, memorised

Whiteboards

Position where all children can see for discussion points

Alternative: Large paper, projection screen

Key Vocabulary

Choreograph

To create or design dance movements and put them together

Motif

A short sequence of movements that can be repeated and remembered

Expression

Using your face and body to show feelings and ideas

Unison

Everyone doing the same movement at exactly the same time

Dynamics

How you perform movements - fast/slow, strong/gentle, big/small

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic locomotor movements (walking, running, jumping)
Simple body shapes and balances
Following simple rhythms and beats
First part of circus motif from previous lesson

Current Skills

Responding to poetry through movement
Creating expressive movements from words
Combining movements into sequences
Performing with increasing confidence

Next Steps

Developing more complex choreographic sequences
Using props and music more sophisticatedly
Creating original dance compositions
Evaluating and improving performances

Milestone Indicators

Movements clearly relate to poem content

Confident performance in front of others

Constructive feedback given to peers

Safe, controlled movement throughout

Key Teaching Points

Always credit children for their creative movement ideas and incorporate them into choreography
Use specific dance vocabulary (unison, levels, dynamics) consistently throughout lesson
Connect all movements back to circus theme to maintain engagement and context
Provide clear timing counts (4 counts, 8 counts) to help children learn choreography
Focus on expression and performance quality, not just correct movements
Create safe, supportive environment where all creative ideas are valued
Use poetry as inspiration but let children's interpretations guide movement development

Common Misconceptions

Poetry must be interpreted literally - encourage creative and abstract movement responses
All children must do exactly the same movements - allow for individual interpretation within structure
Mistakes in timing or movement are failures - frame as learning opportunities and creative variations
Only confident performers should demonstrate - rotate opportunities and build all children's confidence
Feedback must identify problems - teach children to give positive, specific observations

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity segments, provide movement breaks, clear behaviour expectations

dyspraxia

Break down movements into smaller steps, provide extra practice time, use visual and verbal cues together

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of activities, prepare for performance in advance, offer quiet space if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use descriptive language for movements, provide tactile cues, pair with sighted partner for safety

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations, provide written poem text, use visual cues for timing

physical disability

Adapt movements for wheelchair users, allow seated participation, modify range of motion

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Listening skills, poetry appreciation, vocabulary development, speaking and presentation skills

Expressive Arts

Creative movement, performance skills, interpretation of words through physical expression

Mathematics

Counting beats and timing, patterns in movement sequences, spatial awareness and positioning

Personal Development

Self-confidence, creativity, working with others, giving and receiving feedback

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of space during activities, central position for demonstrations and discussions

Observation Focus

Watch for creative movement responses, safe spatial awareness, engagement with poem content, performance quality

Intervention Points

Support children who are reluctant to move, extend confident movers, ensure all children contribute ideas

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, maintain circus theme throughout, credit children's ideas, model confident performance attitude

Verbal Cues

•'Show me with your whole body!'
•'Make it big like a circus performance!'
•'Listen with your thinking caps on!'
•'There are no wrong ideas, only creative ones!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 10m, clear of obstacles with corners accessible for picture cards

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface suitable for dance activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

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

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during free movement
•Slips during energetic movements
•Over-excitement leading to unsafe behaviour

Risk Mitigation

•Clear personal space boundaries established
•Progressive warm-up before vigourous activity
•Regular safety reminders throughout lesson
•Teacher positioned for optimal supervision

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all four corners during corner game
•Move around room during movement exploration
•Stay central during performance activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop music immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid if needed, contact medical support if required