Lesson 06 — A Movement Sequence of My Own

Learners plan their own three-movement sequence — first, then, last — rehearse it, and perform it with control, then share it with the group.

D03 P2: Physical & Somatic Awareness D03.S2 45 minutes Draft

How do I build and perform a movement sequence of my own?

firstthenlastperformbalancesequence

Lesson 6 — A Movement Sequence of My Own

Summary

Learners become authors of their own movement. They plan a three-part sequence — first, then, last — choose three movements, rehearse them in order, and perform the sequence with control for the group. Every sequence is the learner’s own, in their own body’s way.

Objectives

  • Combine movements in a sequence, such as running and catching or hopping and turning. (D03.S2.02.01)

Connection

Every day you already do little sequences — you wake, then wash, then eat; you pick up a ball, then run, then throw. A sequence is just “first, then, last.” Today you get to choose the order yourself and make a movement story that is all yours.

Materials

  • Sequence cards or a drawing sheet with three numbered boxes
  • Cones, chalk, or rope
  • A beat source (optional)

Preparation

  • Prepare a sequence sheet with three numbered boxes labeled first, then, last.
  • Mark a performance space.
  • Optional: prepare movement picture cards (hop, turn, balance, jump, skip, spin).

Facilitator note

This lesson is written to the learner (“you”) so it works in a classroom and for a self-directed learner. Prepare the sequence sheets and space, then guide planning, rehearsal, and performance. The goal is authorship and control, not a flawless show — praise order and effort, never compare performances. Honor every body: a sequence can be done seated, with wheels, with a partner, or with arms only, and it counts fully. Learners who do not want to perform for the group may perform for a partner, a mirror, or a recording, or narrate their sequence aloud. Keep the audience kind — watching and cheering is part of the skill.

Procedure

  1. Gather (5 min). Last time you joined two movements into a sequence. Today you will build one of your own, with three parts.
  2. Plan (10 min). Look at your sequence sheet — three boxes: first, then, last. Choose three movements. Maybe first you hop, then you turn, last you balance. Or first you skip, then you jump, last you spin. Draw or write your plan in the three boxes.
  3. Rehearse (15 min). Practice your sequence in order, slowly at first. Say the words as you move: “first hop, then turn, last balance.” Check each part for control. If a part is hard, swap it or do it in your own body’s way — that is your choice.
  4. Perform (10 min). Perform your sequence for the group, a partner, or a mirror. Watch your friends and cheer them on. Every sequence is different, and every one is good.
  5. Close (5 min). You are the author of your own movement story. How did it feel to plan and perform your own sequence?

Differentiation

  • Support: Plan just two movements (first, then) and rehearse with a partner calling the order aloud.
  • Extension: Ask learners to add a fourth movement, or to perform the sequence once fast and once slow, keeping the order.

Assessment

  • Formative (performance/observation): Can the learner plan and perform a three-movement sequence in order with control, in their own body’s way?
  • Artifact (portfolio): The completed sequence plan, kept in the learner’s portfolio.

Home connection

Teach your sequence to someone at home and perform it together, then let them make one up too.