Creative Movement: Combining Skills

Overview

Year Group: Reception
Duration: 30 minutes
Group Size: 25 students (divided into 5 groups of 5)
Unit: Gymnastics Fun Foundations
Lesson: 4 of 5
Topic: Combining balance, rolling, and jumping in creative group routines
Curriculum Link:

• UK Physical Education Programme of Study for Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 1 (KS1)
• Early Learning Goal: Moving and Handling – children show good control and co-ordination in large and small movements and move confidently in a range of ways.

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Lesson Aims

• To consolidate and apply balance, rolling, and jumping skills learned in earlier lessons.
• To encourage creativity in movement by designing group routines.
• To develop teamwork and communication skills through collaborative physical activity.
• To foster confidence and enjoyment in physical activity.

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, children will be able to:

1. Demonstrate balance, rolling, and jumping skills with growing control and confidence.
2. Work collaboratively in small groups to create and perform a short gymnastics routine.
3. Show creativity by combining different movements in a seamless sequence.
4. Listen to and respect peers' ideas during group work.

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Resources

• Soft gym mats (minimum 5, ideally 1 per group)
• Cones or markers to define group spaces
• Music player with upbeat, non-lyrical music for routines
• Visual cue cards illustrating balance, rolling, and jumping moves (to support verbal instruction)
• Whistle or verbal signalling tool for transitions

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction and Warm-Up (5 minutes)

• Gather children in a circle and briefly revise key skills: balancing, rolling, and jumping.
• Use simple questions to check understanding: “Can anyone show me how to balance like a flamingo?” or “What does a log roll feel like?”
• Lead a lively warm-up game: "Follow the Leader" where teacher models stretches and whole-body movements incorporating balance, rolling on the spot, and little jumps. Encourage expressive movement.

2. Skill Refresher Stations (8 minutes)

• Set up three short stations in the hall/gym area with clear boundaries:
  • Station 1: Balance (amazing balance poses – one foot, star shape, tip-toes)
  • Station 2: Rolling (log rolls, teddy bear rolls, gentle forward rolls on mats)
  • Station 3: Jumping (jumping off two feet, hopping on one foot, small leaps)
• Children spend 2-3 minutes at each station practising the skill, supported by the teacher and assistants.
• Use praise and corrective prompts aligned with EYFS physical development goals.

3. Group Routine Creation (12 minutes)

• Divide children into 5 groups of 5, each assigned a defined area with one mat.
• Challenge: In groups, create a short routine combining at least one balance, one rolling, and one jumping movement.
• Offer visual cue cards for ideas but encourage children to add a creative twist (e.g., balancing in a funny shape, rolling like animals, jumping with arm movements).
• Teacher circulates, scaffolding ideas and facilitating teamwork: encouraging communication, turn-taking, and listening.
• Play upbeat background music to inspire rhythm and flow in the routines.
• Groups rehearse their routine twice with teacher feedback.

4. Performance and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Each group performs their routine to the rest of the class.
• After each performance, quickly highlight a strength (e.g., "Great balance in that pose!") and encourage peers to clap and say one positive thing.
• Use simple reflective questions: "What did you enjoy about your routine?", "How did your team decide which moves to use?"

5. Cool Down and Closure (5 minutes)

• Gentle breathing and stretching circle: children copy calming movements from teacher (reaching for the sky, touching toes, shaking out arms).
• Reinforce the importance of teamwork, creativity, and practising these skills at home or outdoors.
• Praise effort and creativity, reminding children the focus is fun and trying new things.
• Quick recap of skills learned and what to look forward to in the next and final lesson.

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Differentiation

• Provide extra adult support in groups with children needing assistance.
• Allow children who may be less confident in moving to contribute by directing or suggesting moves.
• Encourage more advanced movers to add transitions or linking movements in their routine.
• Use visual supports and clear, simple instructions for children with communication difficulties.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Observation of children's ability to perform balance, rolling, and jumping skills individually.
• Informal assessment of teamwork and communication during group work.
• Recognition of creativity and confidence during group performances.
• Use EYFS checklist for Physical Development and Personal, Social and Emotional Development to record observations.

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Teaching Tips for WOW Factor

• Use imaginative narratives (e.g., “Pretend you’re astronauts balancing on the moon!”) to deepen engagement.
• Encourage children to use facial expressions and sounds that match their movements to enhance storytelling and creativity.
• Integrate a simple class cheer at the end, created by the children, celebrating gymnastics skills.
• Record short clips of group routines (if possible) to show children their achievements and support verbal feedback.

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This lesson combines physical skill development with creative expression and cooperative learning, perfectly aligned with EYFS goals. It supports holistic physical and social growth through an active, joyful gymnastics experience.