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      Interpret music to create expressive movement

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can interpret music to create movement that helps me to express myself.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: to express the emotion that music makes us feel, we move at different speeds and levels, using facial expressions.
      2. Think: using drawings to explain how music makes us feel can help us discuss our feelings and emotions.
      3. Think: reflecting on how music makes us feel helps us explain the contrast we feel between different pieces of music.
      4. Feel: self-motivation allows us to focus on our movements and helps us to try and express emotions.
      5. Connect: we have to trust and respect our partners when we discuss our feelings and emotions.

      Keywords

      • Movement - the act of changing position or location

      • Emotions - feelings that we have in response to a situation, event or thought, which influence our mood or behaviour

      • Feelings - the ways we experience and understand our emotions inside our hearts and minds.

      Common misconception

      Pupils focus on the tempo of the music, matching the beat and tempo, instead of considering the full effect of the music in creating an emotional response. (e.g., pupils run to fast music.)

      Explain to pupils that it is important to be still and listen to the music before moving. Pupils should also be reminded to consider their facial expression, ensuing this matches their movement responses.

      Teacher tip

      Use dance scarves to support pupils to create movements in response to the music.

      Equipment

      additional material: suggested music, paper & pen per pupil

      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 are you doing if you stay stable and control your body's position to remain still?

      drawing
      moving
      Correct answer: balancing

      Q2.
      What are you doing if you change position or place?

      Correct answer: moving
      balancing
      drawing

      Q3.
      What are you showing if you collaborate effectively with a partner?

      Correct answer: respect
      speed
      strength

      Q4.
      What is the benefit of performing meditative balances?

      to feel excited
      Correct answer: to feel relaxed
      to feel anxious

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What do we mean by feelings that we have in response to a situation?

      expressions
      Correct answer: emotions
      movements

      Q2.
      What does discussing your feelings and emotions with a partner require?

      coordination and speed
      Correct answer: trust and respect
      flexibility and strength

      Q3.
      What must you use in addition to movement to clearly express the way a piece of music makes you feel?

      Correct answer: facial expressions
      tall balances
      dance scarves

      Q4.
      What can listening to calm and slow music help you to do?

      laugh
      cry
      Correct answer: relax

      To help you plan your 4 physical education lesson on: Interpret music to create expressive movement, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...