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Lesson 3 - Moving with Props and Contrasting Tempos

Daily Life Through Creative Movement and Storytelling

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Reception

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Dance

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30 min

Big Question

How can we move like champion dancers using props to show different types of weather?

Learning Objectives

To respond to words and music using bodies and props with control
To move in relation to rhythm and tempo changes in music
To develop spatial awareness when moving with props

Key Outcomes

Students will use props (scarves, feathers, ribbons) to represent different weather conditions
Students will demonstrate contrasting movements to fast and slow music
Students will perform weather-themed movements with confidence to an audience

Equipment & Resources Required

Scarves

1 per student (30)

Distributed around hall perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Light fabric squares, silk scarves, chiffon pieces

Feather

1 per 2 students (15)

Keep in basket for controlled distribution

Alternative: Paper feathers, lightweight streamers

Ribbons

1 per 2 students (15)

Various colours available for student choice

Alternative: Streamers, lightweight fabric strips

Musical Instruments

Drum, bells, shaker

Teacher positioned for easy access during lesson

Alternative: Recorded sound effects, voice sounds

Music Player

Contrasting tempo music pre-loaded and ready

Alternative: Phone with speaker, tablet

Key Vocabulary

Champion dancers

Dancers who move with control, skill and confidence

Props

Objects like scarves, feathers or ribbons used to enhance dance

Tempo

The speed of the music - fast or slow

Rhythm

The pattern of beats in music

Contrasting

Very different from each other

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic body movements and travelling actions
Simple responses to music and rhythm
Understanding of different weather types

Current Skills

Using props to enhance movement expression
Adapting movement to contrasting musical tempos
Creating weather-themed dance movements

Next Steps

Combining multiple props in dance sequences
Creating longer movement phrases with clear beginning, middle and end
Working collaboratively to create group weather dances

Milestone Indicators

Students demonstrate clear contrast between fast and slow movements

Props are used purposefully to enhance weather representation

Movements show imagination and creativity within the weather theme

Key Teaching Points

Connect all movements clearly to weather themes for meaningful context
Emphasise the contrast between different weather types and musical tempos
Ensure props enhance rather than dominate the movement experience
Create supportive performance environment where all students feel confident
Use weather imagery throughout to maintain thematic coherence
Encourage creative interpretation while maintaining safety awareness
Build from simple weather walking to complex prop integration systematically

Common Misconceptions

Props are just for waving around - teach purposeful use connected to weather
Faster music always means running - encourage varied fast movements
Weather movements must be literal - allow creative interpretation
Only some students can be 'champion dancers' - emphasise everyone's potential
Performance means perfect technique - focus on confidence and expression

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries for prop use, regular positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Larger, easier-to-grip props, simplified movement patterns, extra demonstration time

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, predictable prop distribution system, quiet retreat space available if needed

visual impairment

Use bells and instruments with distinct sounds, verbal descriptions of prop qualities, partner support for spatial orientation

hearing impairment

Visual cues for tempo changes, tactile props exploration, clear visual demonstrations of movements

physical disability

Alternative prop holding methods, seated weather movements, modified movement ranges appropriate to ability

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Weather vocabulary expansion, descriptive language, story imagery

Maths

Fast and slow concepts, patterns in music, spatial awareness

Science

Weather types, natural phenomena, cause and effect of weather conditions

Geography

Weather patterns, seasonal changes, weather around the world

Music

Tempo recognition, rhythm response, musical expression through movement

PSHE

Confidence building, performance skills, appreciation of others' efforts

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position for optimal visibility during movement activities, near music controls

Observation Focus

Watch for creative interpretation, safe prop use, and tempo responsiveness

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe prop use, lack of participation, or confusion about instructions

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Exaggerate weather movements for clarity, show clear tempo contrasts, model safe prop use

Verbal Cues

•'Show me your weather!'
•'Listen to the music!'
•'Use your whole body!'
•'Keep your props safe!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large open space minimum 8m x 8m, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, dry conditions, adequate space for prop movement

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check props for wear or damage before distribution
•Ensure ribbons and scarves are appropriate length to avoid tripping
•Verify feathers are secure and won't shed excessively

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Entanglement with props during movement
•Collisions due to prop movement in shared space
•Slipping on dropped props or loose materials

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear prop safety rules before distribution
•Maintain adequate spacing between students during prop activities
•Immediate collection of dropped props from floor
•Clear sight lines for teacher supervision throughout

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for optimal view of all students during prop use
•Monitor prop safety and spatial awareness continuously
•Intervene immediately if unsafe prop use observed

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, secure all props, assess situation and provide appropriate support