🎓

Lesson 4 - Circle Dances and Movement Games

Adventurous Speed & Agility

•

Reception

•

Fundamental Movement Skills

•

30 min

Big Question

How can we work together as a team to create beautiful movement patterns and follow the rhythm?

Learning Objectives

To perform circle dances as part of a group with coordination and timing
To recognise musical and verbal cues to change actions appropriately
To develop spatial awareness and cooperation through group movement activities

Key Outcomes

Students will confidently participate in group circle dances
Students will demonstrate listening skills by responding to musical cues
Students will show improved coordination and timing in group movements

Equipment & Resources Required

Music Player

Position for clear audio across entire space

Alternative: Teacher singing, recorded music on tablet/phone

Hokey Cokey Music Track

1 track

Have music ready to play, test volume levels

Alternative: Teacher singing the song, YouTube video with audio

Visual Aids

5.5 cards

Large, clear images of key actions if using

Alternative: Teacher demonstrations, picture prompts

Key Vocabulary

Circle dance

A dance where everyone holds hands in a circle and moves together

Mexican wave

A movement pattern that travels around the circle from person to person

Rhythm

The beat or pattern of music that we can move to

Coordination

Moving different parts of your body together in a smooth way

Sequence

Actions that follow each other in a particular order

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of following simple instructions
Experience moving to music or rhythm
Ability to hold hands and move in a group

Current Skills

Coordinated group movement in circles
Response to musical and verbal cues
Sequential movement patterns (Mexican wave)

Next Steps

More complex dance patterns and choreography
Partner dances and formations
Creating own dance movements to music

Milestone Indicators

Maintains position in circle during movement

Changes actions appropriately when cued

Shows awareness of others' movements and timing

Key Teaching Points

Maintain clear, enthusiastic demonstration throughout all activities
Use imagery and metaphors to help students understand movement concepts
Emphasise cooperation and gentle interaction in all group activities
Build confidence through praise and celebrating group achievements
Control pace and energy levels to maintain safety and engagement
Connect movements to rhythm and musical cues throughout
Provide multiple opportunities for students to practice and improve coordination

Common Misconceptions

Students may think louder means better - emphasise controlled, coordinated movement over volume
Some students may rush through actions - teach that timing and watching others is more important than speed
Students might think they need to be perfect immediately - reinforce that practice and trying your best is what matters
Some may believe group activities are competitive - emphasise cooperation and group success over individual performance
Students may think Mexican wave is about going fast - teach that the pattern effect requires patience and observation

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular movement breaks built into activities, clear physical boundaries, positive reinforcement for participation

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time for coordination, adult support for balance during actions

autism spectrum

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

visual impairment

Use clear verbal cues for all movements, buddy system for circle formation, tactile cues through hand-holding

hearing impairment

Visual demonstration of all dance moves, sign language support if available, vibration cues for rhythm

physical disability

Seated circle dancing options, modified arm movements, alternative participation roles as caller or helper

Cross-Curricular Links

English Language

Learning song lyrics, following verbal instructions, vocabulary development for movement terms

Mathematics

Counting steps and beats, understanding sequence and patterns, spatial awareness in circle formation

Music

Responding to rhythm and beat, coordinating movement with musical phrases, understanding tempo changes

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, taking turns, showing kindness and encouragement to peers

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Inside or adjacent to circle formation for maximum visibility and demonstration clarity

Observation Focus

Watch for coordination development, listening skills, and cooperative behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in if students become over-excited, unsafe, or excluded from group activities

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated, clear movements that all students can see and copy easily

Verbal Cues

•'Gentle butterfly hands' for appropriate hand-holding
•'Honey walking' for controlled pace
•'Watch your neighbour' for Mexican wave timing

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 6m x 6m clear space for circle formation and movement activities

Surface Check

Non-slip, even surface free from obstacles, suitable for both standing and sitting

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Music player positioned safely away from movement area
•Volume at appropriate level - audible but not overwhelming
•Clear pathways around circle for Duck Duck Goose movement

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during circle movement
•Falls during Mexican Wave squat movements
•Over-excitement leading to unsafe running in Duck Duck Goose

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing established in circle formation
•Emphasis on controlled, slow movements throughout
•Adult supervision and pace control during all activities
•Safe walking pace enforced in movement games

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all students during circle activities
•Monitor movement games closely for safe behaviour
•Watch for students who may become overwhelmed in group activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or comfort as needed