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Lesson 1 - Jungle Animal Movements and Creative Expression

Jungle Adventures Through Creative Movement

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Nursery

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Dance

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56 min

Big Question

How can we use our bodies to tell the story of jungle animals through movement?

Learning Objectives

To move safely in space taking care of ourselves and others (heads up, eyes forward, control speed)
To use imagination to create simple jungle animal movements showing different types of travel, timing and use of levels
To develop the first 12 counts of our 'Jungle' movement sequence

Key Outcomes

Students will create and perform simple jungle animal movements
Students will demonstrate safe movement in shared space
Students will contribute ideas to a jungle animal mind map
Students will perform a simple 12-count jungle animal sequence

Equipment & Resources Required

CD Player

Position where all children can hear clearly

Alternative: Laptop with speakers

Music Tracks

3-4 tracks

Pre-loaded and tested

Alternative: 'Down in the Jungle', 'Lion Sleeps Tonight', 'Captain Hathi's March'

Whiteboards

Positioned for all children to see clearly

Alternative: Large paper sheets

Dish Cones

2-3

Easy grip pens suitable for young children to see

Alternative: Different coloured pens for mind map

Scarves

1 per child

Enhance movement expression - stored safely when not in use

Alternative: Pom-poms, streamers

Key Vocabulary

Levels

How high or low we move our bodies - high like a giraffe, medium like a monkey, low like a snake

Timing

Moving with the beat of the music - fast or slow

Sequence

Movements that follow each other in order

Balance

Staying steady when we move

Dynamics

How we move - smooth like a snake or bouncy like a monkey

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic locomotive movements (walking, running, jumping)
Following simple instructions
Moving to music

Current Skills

Creating themed movements
Understanding levels in movement
Simple sequence work

Next Steps

Extended sequence development
Partner work and mirroring
Story-telling through dance

Milestone Indicators

Maintains balance during animal movements

Shows clear differences between animals

Remembers sequence order

Key Teaching Points

Always demonstrate movements clearly before asking children to copy
Use counting and rhythm to help children remember sequences
Encourage creative interpretation while maintaining safety
Build confidence through positive feedback and encouragement
Connect animal movements to real animal characteristics for understanding
Maintain clear structure while allowing for individual expression
Use descriptive language to enhance movement quality

Common Misconceptions

All animal movements should be wild and energetic - teach controlled, characteristic movements
Children must perform movements exactly the same way - encourage individual interpretation within safety
Sequence work is too difficult for Nursery - break into small, manageable chunks
Shy children can't participate - provide alternative ways to contribute and build confidence gradually
Free movement means no structure - maintain clear expectations and safety boundaries

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent movement breaks built in, clear boundaries, positive reinforcement, opportunity for energy release

dyspraxia

Extra demonstration time, break movements into smaller steps, physical guidance if appropriate, celebrate effort

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule if helpful, quiet space available, consistent adult support

visual impairment

Clear verbal descriptions of movements, tactile guidance, buddy system for safety, high contrast props if used

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations emphasised, hand signals for start/stop, vibrations felt through floor during music

physical disability

Adapted movements using available mobility, seated versions of movements, focus on what child can do

Cross-Curricular Links

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter during activities, central for demonstrations, ensure visibility of all children

Observation Focus

Watch for understanding of animal characteristics, quality of movement, social interaction and safety

Intervention Points

Step in if movements become unsafe, provide support for shy children, guide feedback to be positive

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate movements clearly and slowly, exaggerate key features, perform alongside children for confidence

Verbal Cues

•'Remember your animal's special way of moving!'
•'Keep your movements controlled and safe!'
•'Watch how smoothly you can move!'
•'Show me your animal's personality!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 6m x 8m clear space for movement, additional quiet area for discussions

Surface Check

Non-slip surface suitable for floor work and jumping movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Music equipment positioned safely away from movement area
•Whiteboard secured and markers capped when not in use
•Any props checked for safety and appropriate size

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during free movement
•Falls during jumping or hopping
•Over-excitement leading to unsafe movement

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for movement area
•Teaching safe falling and recovery
•Regular reminders about personal space
•Adult supervision positioned for optimal visibility

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position where all children visible during movement
•Move around during activities to monitor closely
•Particular attention during floor work and jumping

Emergency Procedures

Stop music immediately if incident occurs, assess injury, apply first aid knowledge, contact support if needed