Superhero Movement Fun

Overview

A 40-minute movement and dance session designed for Year 2 children with autism, incorporating poms poms, dance streamers, and superhero themes. The session aligns with the National Curriculum for England’s Physical Education programme of study for Key Stage 1, focusing on developing fundamental movement skills through imaginative, expressive activities that promote coordination, spatial awareness, and social interaction.

---

Curriculum Links and Learning Objectives

National Curriculum Reference:

• KS1 Physical Education (Year 2)
• Pupils should be taught to:
  • Master basic movements including running, jumping, throwing and catching, as well as developing balance, agility and coordination (NC Programmes of Study: PE, 2013)
  • Perform dances using simple movement patterns

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, pupils will be able to:

1. Demonstrate improved coordination by manipulating poms poms and dance streamers in time with music.
2. Use body movements to express superhero characteristics (e.g., flying, stealth, strength).
3. Copy and create simple dance patterns incorporating travelling, turning, and stretching movements.
4. Show increased spatial awareness by moving safely in a defined space with props.
5. Enhance social skills by participating cooperatively in group activities.

---

Resources Needed

• Poms poms (one per child)
• Dance streamers (one per child)
• Costume elements or simple superhero capes (optional)
• Speaker and child-friendly upbeat music (approx. 3 tracks, 3-4 minutes each)
• Cones or floor markers for boundary setting
• Visual cue cards with superhero poses and movements

---

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction and Warm-Up (8 minutes)

• Welcome and settle (2 mins): Greet the children and briefly explain today’s superhero dance adventure. Show the props (poms poms and streamers) to spark excitement.
• Warm-up activity (6 mins):
  • Lead a gentle whole-body warm-up using simple actions inspired by superheroes, such as:
    • Stretch arms wide like wings (spell out “fly”)
    • Strong punches with poms poms forward and upwards (strength)
    • Tiptoe quietly like a stealthy superhero
    • Wide steps side to side (agility)
  • Use call-and-response to encourage attention and participation. Use slow, clear verbal prompts paired with visual cue cards.

2. Skill Development - Prop Exploration (10 minutes)

• Handling Poms Poms and Streamers:
  • Demonstrate waving poms poms in two hands: side to side, up and down. Use a superhero-themed narrative (e.g., "Spread your super energy!")
  • Practice twirling and swirling streamers to make different shapes in the air.
• Activity: Guided copy sequence (5 mins) where the teacher models simple patterns combining waving poms poms and swirling streamers. Children follow, adjusting movement pace individually.
• Sensory Break: Pause and check for children’s comfort with props.

3. Superhero Dance Routine (12 minutes)

• Create a simple dance:
  • Introduce 3-4 simple dance moves connected to superheroes, e.g.:
    • Flying forward with arms stretched and streamers flowing behind
    • Spinning like a whirlwind using poms poms
    • Stealthy tiptoe steps with slow, gentle streamer movements
    • Superpower punches forward with poms poms
  • Repeat each move 2-3 times.
• Sequence building: String moves together in a short dance “story” lasting about 1 minute.
• Group performance: Encourage children to perform together, respecting personal space.

4. Cool Down and Reflection (7 minutes)

• Cool down: Slow breathing and stretching while holding poms poms or streamers, e.g., reaching to the sky as a superhero calming down after a mission.
• Reflection chat: Sit in a circle with visual support and ask simple questions:
  • Which part of the superhero dance did you like best?
  • How did the poms poms and streamers make you feel?
  • Can you show your favourite superhero move?
• Provide positive reinforcement and celebrate all efforts.

---

Differentiation and Autism-Friendly Adaptations

• Use clear, simple language and visual supports throughout.
• Provide choice of prop (poms poms or streamers) to suit sensory preferences.
• Offer individual space markers to help with spatial awareness and reduce overstimulation.
• Allow turns for quieter observation if children feel overwhelmed.
• Use consistent routines and signals to aid understanding (e.g., hand signals to start/stop).
• Incorporate calming sensory breaks if needed.

---

Assessment and Success Criteria

• Observe children’s ability to hold and manipulate the props with increasing control.
• Check if children can follow a simple sequence of movements.
• Note participation in group dance and following safety boundaries.
• Informal assessment through reflection feedback: verbal or non-verbal responses about the activity.
• Record any adaptations needed for future sessions.

---

This session supports physical development alongside communication and social skills, all through the engaging theme of superheroes — motivating Year 2 children with autism to move expressively with confidence and joy!