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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can interpret and perform action words.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: interpreting and performing a range of action words requires using our whole body or isolated parts of our body.
      2. Move: actions are movements we can perform in a variety of ways with control.
      3. Think: imagination enables us to interpret action words such as melt or pop.
      4. Feel: self-belief enables us to perform a range of actions confidently.
      5. Connect: fairness requires us to maintain our personal working space.

      Keywords

      • Actions - the movements we perform

      • Travel - moving from one location to another

      • Stillness - the absence of movement, stopping, pausing

      Common misconception

      Travelling is only a whole-body movement and involves moving around the space available.

      Travelling can be either a whole body action or be performed by isolated body parts. As well as moving around the space it can also involve going up and down as well as turning on the spot.

      Teacher tip

      Set the task, then add the music at a low volume.

      Equipment

      Additional material: poem and suggested music, whiteboard and pen

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - physical activity

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What does 'find a space' mean?

      run around
      Correct answer: room around you
      stretch your arms

      Q2.
      What is the opposite of moving?

      Correct answer: being still
      swaying
      fidgeting

      Q3.
      Where would you be if you were in a space?

      near someone
      by a wall
      Correct answer: on your own

      Q4.
      What do we use to come up with ideas?

      Correct answer: our imagination
      our voices
      our friends

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      In dance, what do we mean by actions?

      Correct answer: movements
      sleeping
      reading

      Q2.
      How can you show fairness to others?

      cheat
      Correct answer: share the space
      take over

      Q3.
      Which of these is not a travelling action?

      jump
      Correct answer: stillness
      skip

      Q4.
      When we move with confidence what does this mean we have?

      Correct answer: self-belief
      fast legs
      a loud voice

      To help you plan your 1 physical education lesson on: Actions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...