Springtime Movement Fun

Curriculum Area

Subject: Physical Education (PE)
Level: Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) – Reception
Focus Area: Physical Development (Moving and Handling)

Lesson Objective:

By the end of this 15-minute lesson, children will:

• Develop gross motor skills through play-based movement.
• Understand and imitate movements related to springtime.
• Improve coordination, balance, and spatial awareness.

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Warm-Up – Wake Up Like Spring! (3 minutes)

Children will stretch and move as if they are waking up like nature in spring.

1. Stretch Like a Flower – Stand on tiptoes and slowly stretch arms upward like a growing flower.
2. Shake Off the Cold! – Wiggle fingers, shake arms and legs to mimic animals waking up from winter.
3. Flap Like a Bird – Small jumps with arm movements to pretend they are birds learning to fly in spring.

👉 Why? This develops flexibility, balance, and control while engaging their imagination.

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Main Activity – Springtime Animal Moves (8 minutes)

Children will move around the space, pretending to be different animals commonly seen in spring. The teacher will call out an animal and demonstrate movements for the children to copy:

1. Hop Like a Bunny 🐰 – Jump forward using two feet together.
2. Wriggle Like a Caterpillar 🐛 – Crawl on hands and knees, slowly slinking forward.
3. Buzz Like a Bee 🐝 – Flap hands while jogging in small circles, making buzzing sounds.
4. Gallop Like a Lamb 🐑 – Sideways or forward galloping with joyful leaps.
5. Fly Like a Butterfly 🦋 – Flutter arms gracefully while tiptoeing around the space.

➡️ Challenge: Can they move faster or slower? Can they change direction quickly without bumping others?

👉 Why? This promotes coordination, agility, spatial awareness, and fun engagement.

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Cool-Down – Gentle Garden Sway (4 minutes)

Children will transition into a calming activity by pretending to be gentle springtime plants and creatures.

1. Sway Like Tall Grass – Stand still and move arms gently side to side like grass in the breeze.
2. Float Like a Cloud – Walk slowly and lightly, taking deep breaths.
3. Close Like a Sleeping Flower – Sit cross-legged, hands resting softly on knees, eyes closed, taking deep breaths.

👉 Why? This encourages relaxation, breathing awareness, and body control.

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Assessment & Reflection

• Observe children’s movements: Are they balancing, jumping, and imitating effectively?
• Ask a few children: “Which move was your favourite? Why?”
• Reinforce success: “You hopped like real little springtime bunnies!”

Next Steps: Could incorporate props (scarves for butterflies, cones for obstacles) in the next session.

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Teacher’s WOW Factor

🌟 Interactive storytelling – Embedding movements into a springtime story makes lessons more immersive.
🌟 Cross-curricular links – Links nature, science, and movement together.
🌟 Imaginative play – Helps children express ideas while staying active.

🚀 Extra Idea: Could follow up with an outdoor activity where children search for ‘real’ springtime animals in the playground!

🍃 Springtime movement is not just about exercise—it’s about experiencing the joy of the season! 🌸