Creating Original Moves

Overview

This is the final session in the "Cultural Dance Explorations" unit for Reception students (ages 4-5). The lesson focuses on creativity, collaboration, and cultural storytelling through movement. Students will draw on their prior learning of various cultural dances and imagery to invent and perform their own group dances using familiar gestures, music, and simple costume elements. This active and expressive lesson emphasises physical development, communication, and cultural awareness aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and UK Physical Education standards.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the session, children will be able to:

• Collaborate in small groups to create a simple dance inspired by cultural dances studied (Personal, Social and Emotional Development).
• Perform original dance movements combining gestures and rhythms introduced in earlier lessons (Physical Development – Moving and Handling).
• Express feelings and stories through dance, recognising dance as a form of cultural storytelling (Communication and Language).
• Demonstrate basic spatial awareness and control while dancing alongside peers (Physical Development – Moving and Handling).

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Curriculum Links

• EYFS Statutory Framework 2021

  • Physical Development: Develop confidence in gross motor skills; move energetically, and safely negotiate space.
  • Expressive Arts and Design: Explore and play with a wide range of media and materials; use movement to express ideas and feelings.
  • Personal, Social and Emotional Development: Work as part of a group to develop and follow agreed rules and ideas.
  • Communication and Language: Use language to imagine and recreate roles and experiences.

• UK National Curriculum for PE (Key Stage 1 – adapted for Reception)

  • Focus on fundamental movement skills and imaginative movement.
  • Develop confidence and competence in basic movements such as hopping, skipping, stretching.
  • Respond to music and rhythms through movement and dance.

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Resources

• Selection of culturally inspired music tracks used in previous lessons (e.g. African drumming, Indian classical, Latin rhythms).
• Simple costume items and props (scarves, hats, fabric pieces reflecting different cultures).
• Open space clear of obstructions suitable for free movement.
• Visual prompts: flashcards or picture boards featuring key movements from previous lessons.
• Portable speaker.

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Timing and Structure

Time	Activity	Details
0-5 mins	Warm-up and recap	Lead a brief warm-up incorporating movements from prior dances (e.g., stamping feet, arm waves, turns). Use music from the unit to engage children. Prompt recall of dances studied (small Q&A).
5-15 mins	Group dance creation	Divide class into 5 groups (5 children each). Each group picks one cultural dance movement or gesture as their inspiration. Teacher facilitates brainstorming, encouraging each child to contribute a movement or gesture. Teacher supports groups to sequence their ideas into a short dance (approx. 1-2 mins). Encourage use of costume props and musical rhythm.
15-25 mins	Rehearsal and refinement	Groups practise their dances with music. Teacher circulates to guide, encourage spatial awareness (avoid bumping), timing, gestures. Support with simple storytelling ideas to give meaning to movements (e.g., “This move is like the lion’s roar from the African dance.”).
25-30 mins	Class presentation and reflection	Each group performs their dance to the class. After each performance, facilitate positive feedback – focusing on what the dance tells us about the culture and how their movements expressed feelings or stories. End with a group cheer and short cool-down stretch with calming music.

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Teaching Strategies and Approaches

• Incorporate Play & Exploration: Use imaginative play elements by encouraging children to “become” dancers from the cultures studied.
• Visual Scaffolding: Use pictures and videos from previous lessons to help children plan their movements.
• Modelling: Demonstrate movements clearly and model enthusiasm and respect for different cultures.
• Peer Learning: Promote collaboration by allowing children to lead movement sharing within their groups, enabling language development and social skills.
• Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate all efforts, highlighting creativity and cultural appreciation rather than precision or technique.
• Inclusive Practices: Ensure all children can contribute at their own level, adapting movements for those with physical or sensory needs.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Observational Assessment: Monitor children’s ability to work cooperatively, initiate and respond to ideas, and move safely with control in groups.
• Anecdotal Notes: Record specific examples of cultural understanding demonstrated through storytelling and movement choices.
• Self/Peer Reflection: Use simple smiley-face charts or thumbs up/down to gauge children's feelings about their performance and group experience.

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Extensions & Home Learning Suggestions

• Encourage families to share and explore cultural dances at home, perhaps looking at dances from their own family background.
• Suggest children draw a picture or make a simple costume piece at home to bring to school.
• Share a short video compilation of the class performances with parents to celebrate their creativity and learning journey.

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Safety Reminders

• Check the dance area is free from hazards.
• Reinforce personal space and safe movement.
• Monitor children’s physical stamina and offer water breaks as needed.

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This lesson's focus on creativity, collaboration, and cultural expression creates a memorable finale to “Cultural Dance Explorations,” fostering physical development and intercultural understanding vital for holistic early years education in the UK.