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      Commas and full stops: pauses and stillness

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can apply control effectively when I pause or I am still.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: performing shapes and actions with precision involves control, balance and coordination.
      2. Think: deciding when and how to move requires us to think independently.
      3. Feel: identifying when and how to apply our ideas requires self-discipline.
      4. Connect: stillness enables us to be able to communicate effectively.

      Keywords

      • Stillness - the absence of action

      • Shape - a position or pose that can be held

      • Control - the skill used to perform a shape or action with precision

      Common misconception

      Travelling around the room means you run in a circle. Pausing and balancing are always star shapes.

      Explain to pupils that travelling involves a wide range of actions including skipping, shuffling, marching, jumping, creeping. Also ensure pupils understand that we can balance on a range of body parts in a variety of shapes.

      Teacher tip

      Use visual displays of the punctuation marks to reinforce their appearance with their function.

      Equipment

      additional materials: suggested music

      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.
      In dance, what is a motif?

      Correct answer: pattern of actions
      a curving action
      a jump

      Q2.
      What word describes working together?

      Correct answer: collaborate
      independence
      effort

      Q3.
      Which of the following is not a form of communication?

      speaking
      listening
      Correct answer: thinking

      Q4.
      What word describes a position that is held during a dance?

      travel
      Correct answer: shape
      turn

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      In dance, what action could be performed to communicate a ‘full stop’?

      jumping
      travelling
      Correct answer: balance

      Q2.
      What skill is used to hold a shape still?

      Correct answer: control
      focus
      projection

      Q3.
      What do we mean by the absence of action?

      Correct answer: stillness
      travelling
      jumping

      Q4.
      Why might we use stillness in dance?

      to rest
      Correct answer: to communicate
      to run

      To help you plan your 3 physical education lesson on: Commas and full stops: pauses and stillness, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...