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Lesson 2 - Jungle Movement and Expression

Jungle Adventures Through Creative Movement

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Nursery

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Dance

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45 min

Big Question

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

Learning Objectives

To listen carefully to poetry and respond creatively with movement
To develop the second section of our jungle dance motif
To move safely in space whilst expressing jungle animal characteristics

Key Outcomes

Children will create expressive movements inspired by jungle poetry
Children will perform a complete jungle dance motif with confidence
Children will demonstrate safe movement awareness in shared space

Equipment & Resources Required

Cards

4 sets

Place one set in each corner of the room at child height

Alternative: Printed pictures or simple drawings on paper

Music Player

Position for clear sound throughout hall

Alternative: Tablet/phone with portable speaker

Music Tracks

3 tracks minimum

Cue: 'Down in the Jungle', 'Hakuna Matata', 'King of the Swingers'

Alternative: Free jungle sounds from YouTube or similar

Growing Poem Text

1 copy

Large text or display for all children to see

Alternative: Simple jungle-themed poem or create your own

Key Vocabulary

Motif

A short dance sequence that can be repeated

Choreography

Making up and arranging dance movements

Expression

Using your face and body to show feelings

Unison

Everyone moving at exactly the same time

Dynamics

How we perform movements - fast, slow, strong, gentle

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic spatial awareness and following simple instructions
Experience with moving to music and stopping on command
Introduction to jungle animals and their characteristics from Unit 1

Current Skills

Creating expressive movements inspired by poetry
Combining movements into a sequence
Performing with confidence to an audience

Next Steps

Adding levels and dynamics to movement sequences
Creating partner and group choreography
Performing with props and costume elements

Milestone Indicators

Child creates original movements without prompting

Child remembers 6+ movement sequence independently

Child offers constructive feedback to peers

Key Teaching Points

Always model enthusiasm and creativity to encourage children's participation
Use specific, positive language when describing children's movements
Provide clear counting and timing structure throughout the lesson
Balance individual creativity with group coordination skills
Create safe environment where all movement ideas are valued and respected
Connect movement choices back to poem words to reinforce listening skills
Build confidence through positive peer feedback and celebration of effort

Common Misconceptions

Children thinking there are 'right' and 'wrong' ways to move - emphasise creativity and personal interpretation
Expecting immediate coordination with music - allow time for gradual development
Believing only confident children should perform - ensure all children have opportunities to share
Thinking dance is only for certain children - emphasise that everyone can express themselves through movement
Assuming children will remember sequences immediately - provide repeated practice and support

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear visual boundaries for personal space

dyspraxia

Demonstrate movements multiple times, break down complex actions into smaller parts, provide additional practice time and support

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of lesson activities, offer quiet space if needed, use consistent routines and clear expectations

visual impairment

Use clear verbal descriptions of movements, provide physical guidance where appropriate, use high contrast picture cards

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, provide vibration cues for music, use hand signals for start/stop

physical disability

Adapt movements for seated participation, focus on upper body actions, provide alternative ways to show animal characteristics

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Listening to poetry, vocabulary development, describing movements and actions, following instructions

Maths

Counting beats and sequences, understanding patterns, spatial concepts of direction and pathways

Science

Understanding how bodies move, exploring animal characteristics and habitats, cause and effect in movement

PSHE

Building confidence, working cooperatively, giving and receiving feedback, expressing feelings through movement

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position centrally where all children can see and hear clearly, move around to support individuals during exploration

Observation Focus

Watch for creative movement responses, peer interaction quality, safety awareness, and confidence levels

Intervention Points

Step in if children struggling with movement ideas, if unsafe movement occurs, or if peer interactions become negative

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate movements clearly and with enthusiasm, use exaggerated actions suitable for nursery age, model positive language and encouragement throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Show me your jungle animal!'
•'Remember to stay in your own space!'
•'What would this animal look like moving?'
•'I can see you really thinking about that word!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 8m x 8m clear space, suitable for 30 children moving simultaneously

Surface Check

Non-slip floor surface, free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Music system positioned safely away from movement area
•Picture cards securely attached at child height
•No sharp edges or corners in movement space

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during energetic animal movements
•Falls during floor work and relaxation
•Over-excitement leading to unsafe movement

Risk Mitigation

•Clear personal space boundaries established
•Constant reminders about spatial awareness
•Progressive building from simple to complex movements
•Clear start/stop signals for all activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visual oversight of all children at all times
•Monitor energy levels and adjust as needed
•Watch for children who may need additional support

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, have emergency contacts readily available