Olympic Dancing Rings
Dancing with handmade rings combines creative expression, motor development, and Olympic symbolism.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Olympics
- Learning area: Music and Movement
- Level: EYFS 3-4, Reception
Objectives
- Move freely and creatively using a dancing ring while listening to music
- Follow simple directions to create a Dancing Ring craft
Materials
- Cardstock paper
- CD player/music source
- Kids music or natural sounds
- Glue
- Open space
- Tissue/crepe paper (Olympic ring colours)
Instructions
Prepare dancing rings in advance by cutting cardstock strips (about 2 inches wide and 12 inches long) and forming them into circles, secured with tape or glue. Pre-cut tissue or crepe paper into long streamers in Olympic colours—blue, yellow, black, green, and red.
Gather children and show a completed dancing ring, demonstrating how the streamers flow beautifully when you move: 'Watch what happens when I wave this ring! The colours dance through the air like Olympic flags!'
Distribute ring forms and have children choose their streamer colours. Guide them to glue streamers around the inside edge of the ring, spacing them evenly. As glue sets, discuss the Olympic colours and what they represent—different parts of the world coming together.
Once rings are dry enough to use safely, transition to open space for dancing. Begin with gentle music and model movement possibilities: 'Let's wave our rings up high! Now swoosh them down low! Make circles in the air! Can you spin while your ring dances?'
Encourage children to discover their own movements while the music plays. Call out suggestions: 'Wave your ring side to side! Shake it fast! Make it fly around you!' Vary the music style and tempo—try Olympic fanfares, world music from different countries, or calming nature sounds.
Incorporate freeze dance elements by pausing the music unexpectedly. When the music stops, children freeze in a pose with their ring. This builds body control and listening skills while maintaining excitement.
Invite children to share movement ideas: 'Who has discovered a new way to make their ring dance? Can you show us?' Celebrate creativity and encourage copying each other's ideas.
Close with a gentle, slow song where children wave their rings peacefully, bringing energy levels down while maintaining the magical feeling of creating beauty through movement.
Educator tip
Use the five Olympic ring colours. Play music from different countries to connect to the international theme and expose children to world music traditions.
Assessment
Observe and note: ability to follow two-step instructions, use of new vocabulary in context, early problem-solving strategies, and sustained shared thinking episodes. Assess against Development Matters age-band expectations. Observe student's ability to listen to music while creatively moving around.