This unit uses the magical transformation of plants as inspiration for Year 1 students to develop fundamental dance skills through imaginative movement. The natural growth theme provides a perfect scaffold for building movement vocabulary, from simple rhythmic responses to complex collaborative sequences. Through embodying the journey from seed to flowering plant, students develop both technical dance skills and creative expression whilst connecting movement to their understanding of the natural world.
This unit introduces Year 1 students to creative movement through the familiar and engaging world of animals. Building from individual exploration to partner collaboration, students develop fundamental dance skills whilst expressing their understanding of animal characteristics and habitats. The unit cleverly uses children's natural fascination with animals as a vehicle for developing body awareness, spatial understanding, and creative confidence in a supportive, imaginative environment.
This unit nurtures Year 1 students' natural movement instincts while introducing foundational dance concepts through creative exploration and structured learning. The unique blend of emotional expression, mathematical patterns, and collaborative choreography helps students develop both artistic confidence and spatial awareness. Through progressive challenges, students move from individual creative expression to sophisticated group formations, building essential skills for future dance and drama work.
This unit immerses Year 1 students in creative movement through the captivating underwater world, developing their ability to express stories through dance. The oceanic theme provides rich stimulus for exploring different body actions, levels, and pathways whilst building confidence in creative expression. Through progressive partner work, students learn that dance is both personal expression and collaborative art form.
This unit uses the beloved Jungle Book story to introduce Year 1 students to creative dance and collaborative movement. Through Mowgli's adventures, students explore whole-body expression, develop partnership skills, and learn to structure their own dance narratives. The familiar story provides a secure framework for creative risk-taking whilst building fundamental dance concepts.
This unit transforms students' fascination with mini beasts into a rich dance experience that develops creative expression, spatial awareness, and collaborative skills. Through imaginative movement exploration, Year 1 students discover how their bodies can become different creatures while building fundamental dance concepts of levels, pathways, and storytelling. The mini beast theme provides a natural, engaging context that encourages even the most reluctant movers to participate with confidence and creativity.
This unit develops Year 1 students' creative expression and storytelling through the engaging theme of pirate adventures. The focus is on building fundamental dance skills while encouraging imaginative movement choices that bring stories to life. Through progressive partner work and performance opportunities, students develop both physical literacy and confidence in creative expression.
This unit develops Year 1 students' ability to express stories and emotions through dance, progressing from simple counting actions to complex narrative choreography. The focus is on building creative confidence whilst developing fundamental movement skills including pathways, levels, and timing. Through engaging themes like nature, toys, pirates, and weather, students learn that their bodies are powerful tools for storytelling and self-expression.
This unit uses the engaging theme of zoo animals to introduce Year 1 students to fundamental dance concepts through imaginative play and storytelling. Students explore movement quality, control, and expression whilst developing their understanding of how bodies can communicate character and emotion. The zoo context provides familiar, exciting stimulus that naturally encourages creativity whilst building essential physical literacy skills through structured progression from individual exploration to collaborative storytelling.
This unit combines historical learning with creative expression as Year 1 students explore the Great Fire of London through dance and movement. Students develop their ability to interpret stories physically whilst building fundamental dance skills including travelling, levels, and partner work. The historical theme provides rich vocabulary and imagery that naturally inspires creative movement, making this an engaging cross-curricular experience.