New
New
Year 4

Canon in sequences

I can create a sequence in canon using a range of movements and balances that flow.

New
New
Year 4

Canon in sequences

I can create a sequence in canon using a range of movements and balances that flow.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: creating a sequence of movements in canon means we move one after the other.
  2. Think: moving in canon requires accurate timings to ensure fluidity in the performance, with one partner always moving.
  3. Think: selecting the movements and balances to perform in canon requires decision making so we can perform correctly.
  4. Connect: taking the lead and counting the timings throughout the sequence helps our partner move with accurate timings.
  5. Feel: not giving up and persevering through the challenge requires resilience.

Keywords

  • Canon - performing the same movement one after the other in a pair

  • Accurate timings - performing movements and balances at the exact time you planned

  • Sequence - combination of controlled movements and balances that have been linked together in a particular order

Common misconception

Pupils think that moving in canon means one person moves, then there is a pause before the next person moves, so the sequence becomes disjointed.

Explain to pupils that we need to ensure that one pupil is always moving or balancing to ensure the sequence flows.


To help you plan your year 4 physical education lesson on: Canon in sequences, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Mix up the pairings to ensure pupils work with a variety of partners. Provide lots of examples of movements in canon and only add balances into the sequences when pupils are ready.
Teacher tip

Equipment

1 mat between 2 pupils (optional)

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
What type of gymnastic sequence involves moving in perfect time with a partner?

Correct answer: unison
canon
asymmetrical

Q2.
What do we have if we can move from one action to another without stopping?

extension
stillness
Correct answer: accurate timings

Q3.
How can we describe a sequence?

apparatus linked together
Correct answer: actions linked together
space linked together

Q4.
When we show resilience, what does this help us with?

getting frustrated
resting
Correct answer: applying maximum effort

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
What type of sequence have we created with a partner if we move one after the other?

unison
Correct answer: canon
solo

Q2.
Linking movements and balances together creates what?

an action
an extension
a sequence

Q3.
What can taking the lead help with when creating a sequence?

Correct answer: keeping accurate timings
taking over
shouting loudly

Q4.
What are you showing if you don’t give up and persevere throughout the challenge?

decision making
leadership
Correct answer: resilience