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Lesson 2 - Creative Movement and Expression

Storytelling Through Movement and Creative Expression

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Reception

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Dance

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use our bodies to bring nursery rhyme stories to life through movement?

Learning Objectives

To listen carefully to nursery rhymes and create expressive movements in response
To move safely in space whilst being aware of ourselves and others
To develop the second half of our nursery rhyme motif through creative choreography

Key Outcomes

Students will create imaginative movements inspired by nursery rhyme words and themes
Students will demonstrate safe movement in shared space with good spatial awareness
Students will complete a full 24-count nursery rhyme motif combining two 12-count sections

Equipment & Resources Required

Cards

1 set

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

Alternative: Simple drawings or photographs showing different actions/objects

Music Player

Test volume and ensure all tracks are queued and ready

Alternative: Tablet/phone with portable speaker

Books

1-2

Have selected nursery rhymes ready to read clearly

Alternative: Printed nursery rhyme texts or digital display

Whiteboards

Ensure all students can see from sitting position

Alternative: Flip chart or wall space for visual focus

Key Vocabulary

Motif

A short sequence of movements that can be repeated and developed

Choreography

Making up or creating dance movements and putting them in order

Unison

When everyone performs the same movements at the same time

Levels

How high or low our body is when we move - high, medium, or low

Dynamics

How we perform movements - strong, gentle, quick, slow, smooth, sharp

Expression

Using our face and body to show feelings and emotions

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic body awareness and spatial understanding
Experience following simple movement instructions
Familiarity with nursery rhymes and their words
First 12 counts of nursery rhyme motif from previous lesson

Current Skills

Creative interpretation of words through movement
Collaborative choreography and idea sharing
Performance skills and audience awareness
Combining movement sequences into longer motifs

Next Steps

Developing more complex choreographic structures
Working with different musical styles and tempos
Creating original dance stories and narratives
Understanding dance performance techniques

Milestone Indicators

Moves creatively in response to verbal stimuli

Demonstrates increasing spatial awareness during movement

Shows confidence in sharing movement ideas with peers

Maintains timing and coordination in group performances

Key Teaching Points

Create a supportive environment where all movement ideas are valued and celebrated
Use clear, steady counting to help children maintain timing and coordination
Connect movement choices back to specific words in the nursery rhymes
Encourage spatial awareness and safety through heads up, eyes forward reminders
Build performance confidence through positive feedback and multiple practice opportunities
Use appropriate dance vocabulary to develop children's understanding and expression
Balance creative freedom with structured guidance to support all learners

Common Misconceptions

Children may think there are 'right' and 'wrong' ways to interpret words through movement
Some students might believe they need to copy others rather than create their own ideas
Children may think dance movements need to be complex to be good
Students might assume that making mistakes during performance means they have failed
Some children may believe that only certain types of children can be good at dance

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Provide movement breaks between activities, use clear visual and verbal cues, offer leadership roles for engagement

dyspraxia

Break movements into smaller steps, provide additional practice time, use verbal cues alongside visual demonstration

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of lesson sections, offer quiet zone for breaks, use consistent routine structure

visual impairment

Use descriptive language for movements, pair with sighted buddy, provide tactile cues for timing

hearing impairment

Use visual cues and gestures, provide written nursery rhyme texts, use vibrating speaker for rhythm

physical disability

Adapt movements to seated or supported positions, focus on upper body expression, modified timing as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting beats and sequences, understanding number patterns in rhymes, spatial awareness concepts

Music

Listening to rhythm and beat, responding to musical cues, understanding tempo and dynamics

PSHE

Building confidence, taking creative risks, giving and receiving feedback, collaborative working

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the space to observe all children, position centrally for demonstrations and timing cues

Observation Focus

Watch for creative expression, timing accuracy, spatial awareness, and positive collaboration

Intervention Points

Step in if children need movement inspiration, safety reminders, or confidence building support

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated, clear movements that children can easily see and copy, maintain enthusiastic energy throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Heads up, eyes forward for safety!'
•'Show me your creative ideas!'
•'Listen to the words and let them move your body!'
•'Big, confident movements that fill the space!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Indoor hall or studio space minimum 8m x 8m, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Non-slip floor surface, dry and clean, free from objects that could cause trips or falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Music equipment positioned safely away from movement area
•Picture cards securely attached to corners, no sharp edges
•No loose wires or cables in movement pathways

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during movement and running to corners
•Overexertion during energetic performance sections
•Falls during stretching or balance activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for movement area
•Emphasis on controlled movement and spatial awareness
•Regular reminders about heads up, eyes forward safety
•Adequate rest and cool-down periods

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during corners game
•Monitor energy levels during performance sections
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if any safety concern, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support as needed