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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can travel in different directions in time with the music.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: responding to the rhythm, tempo and mood demonstrates musicality.
      2. Move: skipping in time to the music and in different directions requires control.
      3. Think: moving in time to the music requires concentration.
      4. Feel: practising a skill requires resilience.
      5. Connect: working with a partner or in a group involves cooperation.

      Keywords

      • Skip - a light, bouncy stepping action moving from foot to foot

      • Direction - the way a performer is facing or the course they are travelling along

      • Musicality - interpreting or expressing the music, responding to the rhythm, tempo or mood

      Common misconception

      When you skip, you always travel forwards.

      Skipping often involves travelling forwards, but it can also be performed on the spot or even travelling backwards.

      Teacher tip

      Use equipment such as coloured bibs to help the pupils to identify whether they are dancer A or B.

      Equipment

      Suggested music, ribbons or juggling scaves.

      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 the word ‘traditional’ mean?

      Correct answer: established
      old fashioned
      style

      Q2.
      What type of action is skipping?

      a gesture
      turning
      Correct answer: travelling

      Q3.
      What is the purpose of rehearsing?

      learn the dance
      Correct answer: to improve
      to make changes

      Q4.
      What do we do when we cooperate?

      Correct answer: work together
      work alone
      work hard

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What do we mean by interpreting or expressing the music, responding to the rhythm, tempo or mood?

      stamina
      Correct answer: musicality
      strength

      Q2.
      What do Maypole dancers hold?

      a stick
      a sword
      Correct answer: a ribbon

      Q3.
      In which direction can we skip in Maypole dancing?

      Correct answer: forwards, backwards, circles
      forwards and circles
      circles and backwards

      Q4.
      What word describes working together?

      Correct answer: cooperate
      compete
      challenge

      To help you plan your 4 physical education lesson on: Maypole dancing: England, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...