Movement & Dance in Year 1
A busy morning in P1. We started our morning with play based learning followed by some PE. This term we are focusing on dance. The children listened and moved so well. A great start to the day.
💃 🕺 Movement and dance are key skills for young children to learn at school because they support whole-child development. Here are the main reasons:
Physical development 🏃♀️ – Dance improves balance, coordination, flexibility, and gross motor skills, which are essential foundations for other physical activities.
Cognitive growth 🧠 – Following patterns, rhythms, and sequences in dance strengthens memory, attention, and problem-solving.
Creativity & expression 🎨 – Dance allows children to express themselves freely, boosting imagination and confidence.
Social skills 🤝 – Working in pairs or groups helps children learn cooperation, turn-taking, and respect for others.
Emotional wellbeing 💖 – Movement provides an outlet for energy and emotions, reducing stress and helping children regulate their feelings.
Altogether, dance and movement aren’t just about “PE” 🧠 they help children think, feel, and communicate better, while building a love of being active.
St Josephs Primary School, 1a Slate St, Cullingtree Road, Belfast BT12 4LD Phone: 028 9032 3683
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