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Big Question

How can different parts of our body move in their own special ways?

Learning Objectives

  • To explore different body parts and how they move
  • To show an awareness of space, themselves and others
  • To demonstrate control and coordination in movements

Key Outcomes

  • Students will identify and move different body parts in response to instructions
  • Students will navigate space safely while moving
  • Students will demonstrate improved body awareness and control

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones
30

Scattered evenly around the teaching space for personal markers

Alternative: Bean bags, spots, or hoops

Music Player
1

Positioned where teacher can easily control volume and start/stop

Alternative: Tablet, phone with speaker, or CD player

Age-appropriate music
Various tracks

Pre-selected tracks ready to play

Alternative: Simple rhythm tracks or children's songs with clear beats

Key Vocabulary

Body parts

Different parts of our body like head, arms, legs, hands

Shake

Moving quickly back and forth

Twist

Turning your body while keeping feet in place

Bend

Making a body part curved or angled

Spin

Turning around in a circle

Space

The area around you that is empty

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic understanding of body parts names
  • Ability to follow simple instructions
  • Basic spatial awareness

Current Skills

  • Exploring different ways body parts can move
  • Following more complex movement instructions
  • Developing rhythm and timing

Next Steps

  • Creating simple dance sequences
  • Moving in time with music consistently
  • Working with partners in movement

Milestone Indicators

1
Can identify and move 5+ body parts on command
2
Shows control when starting and stopping
3
Demonstrates creativity in movement exploration

Key Teaching Points

  • Always demonstrate movements clearly before asking children to try
  • Encourage individual creativity while maintaining safety standards
  • Use specific, positive feedback about movement quality and discovery
  • Connect movement exploration to children's everyday experiences
  • Maintain calm, controlled atmosphere while encouraging enthusiasm

Common Misconceptions

  • Children thinking they must copy others exactly - emphasise individual exploration
  • Believing some body parts 'can't move' - encourage gentle experimentation
  • Thinking faster or bigger movements are always better - focus on control and precision
  • Assuming they must be perfect immediately - celebrate all attempts and discoveries

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Short activity bursts, clear movement boundaries, immediate positive feedback, role as movement demonstrator
dyspraxia
  • Extra demonstration time, simplified movement patterns, celebrate effort over perfection, additional practice opportunities
autism spectrum
  • Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed, consistent verbal cues
visual impairment
  • Use tactile cones, clear verbal descriptions of all movements, buddy system for spatial navigation
hearing impairment
  • Visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, vibrating music speaker for rhythm
physical disability
  • Seated versions of all movements, upper body focus, adapted movements within individual capabilities

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Understanding body parts and joints, exploring how things move, cause and effect in movement

PSHE

Building confidence, working as part of a group, celebrating differences in movement abilities

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the outside of the group to observe all children, positioning for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for creative movement exploration, safe execution, and individual confidence levels

Intervention Points

Step in if movements become unsafe, if children are not participating, or if confusion about instructions

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated, clear movements that children can easily see and copy. Demonstrate safety considerations explicitly.

Verbal Cues
  • •'Find your own special way!'
  • •'Keep your movements controlled!'
  • •'I can see some fantastic ideas!'
  • •'Remember to use your own space!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 8m x 8m clear area, 30cm spacing between children for movement

Surface Check

Non-slip, even surface checked for hazards and obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • •Cones checked for cracks or sharp edges
  • •Music system positioned safely away from movement area
  • •All equipment securely stored when not in use

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • •Collisions during movement activities
  • •Dizziness from spinning movements
  • •Slips or falls during direction changes
Risk Mitigation
  • •Clear personal space boundaries established
  • •Controlled spinning with balance focus
  • •Progressive movement speed building
  • •Constant supervision and spatial monitoring

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • •Position for clear view of all children
  • •Monitor for fatigue or overexertion
  • •Watch for unsafe movement choices
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, contact school first aider if needed