Hokey Pokey Dance

The Hokey Pokey develops listening skills, body awareness, and coordination while providing joyful movement opportunities.

• Framework: EYFS
• Unit: EYFS Shapes and Patterns
• Learning area: Music & Movement
• Level: EYFS 3-4, Reception

Objectives

• Listen and follow movement directions
• Coordinate movement to perform a dance
• Identify body parts and spatial concepts

Materials

• Hokey Pokey music (CD or digital)
• Music player
• Open space

Instructions

Children listen to the Hokey Pokey song and perform corresponding movements, following the pattern of the dance.

Educator tip

Add shape variations: 'Put your circle (head) in, put your circle out!' to connect to the theme.

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. Teacher observation of student's ability to coordinate movement and perform the dance.

More from EYFS Shapes and Patterns

• Pattern Play
• Hop in the Hoops
• People Pattern
• Hide and Seek Matching Shapes
• Felt Shape Match Up
• Shape Lacing Cards
• Creating with Shapes
• Bead Pattern