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Lesson 1 - Moving in Sequence

Storytelling Through Movement: Nursery Rhyme Adventures

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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 to tell the story of Humpty Dumpty?

Learning Objectives

To explore different movements using different parts of the body
To create and perform movement sequences based on the Humpty Dumpty rhyme
To develop control and coordination when moving to rhythm

Key Outcomes

Students will move their bodies with large, controlled actions
Students will create movements representing characters from Humpty Dumpty
Students will perform a simple movement sequence in time with the rhyme

Equipment & Resources Required

Tunnel Systems

Positioned where all students can hear clearly

Alternative: Smartphone with speaker, tablet

Track

Cued to appropriate volume for movement

Alternative: Teacher can recite rhyme rhythmically

Cards

4 cards

Displayed where all students can see

Alternative: Whiteboard with key words, picture book

Markers

15-20

Scattered around space for personal areas

Alternative: Cones, hoops, chalk marks

Key Vocabulary

Champion dancer

Someone who moves with control, responds to rhythm, and performs with confidence

Sequence

A series of movements performed in a particular order

Exaggerated movements

Making actions bigger and clearer so everyone can see them

Control

Moving your body exactly how you want it to move

Character

A person or creature in a story that we can pretend to be

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic body awareness and ability to move safely in a space
Understanding of simple instructions like stop and start
Familiarity with listening to stories and rhymes

Current Skills

Moving different body parts with control
Creating movements to represent characters and actions
Performing simple sequences in time with rhythm

Next Steps

Combining multiple movement sequences together
Adding facial expressions and emotion to dance
Creating original movements for different nursery rhymes

Milestone Indicators

Clear, exaggerated movements that represent the story

Ability to perform sequence from memory

Moving with awareness of others and the space

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise the 'champion dancer' concept throughout to build confidence
Use exaggerated movements to help students understand character differences
Connect all movements back to the story to reinforce comprehension
Celebrate effort and creativity over perfection
Use rhythm and timing to help students remember the sequence
Encourage positive audience skills as much as performance skills

Common Misconceptions

That movements need to be 'perfect' - emphasise personal best efforts
That falling has to be real or hard - teach safe, controlled falling
That dancing is only for certain types of people - all can be champion dancers
That watching is passive - being a good audience is an active skill
That the sequence must be exactly the same for everyone - encourage personal interpretation within the framework

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts, clear boundaries, lots of positive movement opportunities

dyspraxia

Break down movements into smaller steps, extra practice time, focus on effort over precision

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of movements, partner system for guidance, tactile prompts for positions

hearing impairment

Strong visual demonstrations, visual cards with story elements, vibrations for rhythm

physical disability

Adapt movements for wheelchair users, seated versions of actions, focus on achievable movements

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Story comprehension, vocabulary development through rhyme, speaking and listening during reflection

Music

Rhythm and timing, responding to spoken rhyme, developing sense of beat

PSHE

Confidence building, cooperation during group work, appreciation of others' efforts

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the space to see all students, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for creative movement, safe techniques, and engagement levels

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with sequence or safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate movements clearly before asking students to try, exaggerate movements for visibility

Verbal Cues

•'Make it bigger so everyone can see!'
•'Remember champion dancers have control!'
•'Show me your character's personality!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 6m x 6m clear space, suitable for movement and falling safely

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, clean and free from obstacles or hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Audio equipment positioned safely away from movement area
•Visual prompts securely displayed at child height
•Space markers placed to avoid tripping hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during character movements
•Collisions between students during movement
•Slips on unsuitable surfaces

Risk Mitigation

•Demonstrate safe falling techniques
•Establish clear movement boundaries
•Ensure adequate space between students
•Check footwear is appropriate for movement

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all students during movement activities
•Monitor closely during falling movements
•Watch for students who may need additional support

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or seek additional support