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Lesson 4 - Pair Work and Picture-Inspired Movement Creation

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 work together to turn pictures into exciting dance movements?

Learning Objectives

To work collaboratively in pairs showing good listening skills
To use picture stimuli to create imaginative and creative dance actions
To develop flexibility, balance and coordination through teacher-led stretches

Key Outcomes

Students will create a 4-count dance action inspired by jungle pictures
Students will demonstrate effective pair work and turn-taking
Students will perform their created movements with confidence to an audience

Equipment & Resources Required

Cards

4 large cards for corners, 1 set of smaller cards for pairs (15 cards)

Large cards placed in room corners, smaller cards ready for distribution

Alternative: Printed pictures from books, tablet/phone images, hand-drawn pictures

Tunnel Systems

Positioned centrally for clear sound throughout space

Alternative: Bluetooth speaker, tablet with speakers, CD player

Matilda Soundtrack

3 tracks minimum

Pre-loaded and tested: 'Down in the Jungle', 'Bare Necessities', 'Hakuna Matata', 'I Want to Be Like You'

Alternative: YouTube playlist, Spotify playlist, any jungle-themed music

Yoga Mat

15 (1 per pair)

Distributed around room for pair workspaces

Alternative: Carpet squares, masking tape markers, cones

Key Vocabulary

Partner

Someone you work with as a team

Choreography

Making up dance movements and putting them together

Action

A movement or pose we can do with our bodies

Level

How high or low we are - standing up high, crouching down low

Timing

Doing movements at the same time as your partner or the music

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic body awareness and simple movements
Following simple instructions and copying actions
Understanding of personal space

Current Skills

Partner work and cooperation
Using visual stimuli to inspire movement
Creating and performing short dance sequences

Next Steps

Linking movements together into longer sequences
Adding rhythm and musical timing
Developing storytelling through dance

Milestone Indicators

Can maintain partner cooperation throughout activities

Shows clear connection between picture and movement

Demonstrates confidence when performing to others

Key Teaching Points

Model positive partner cooperation and turn-taking throughout the lesson
Celebrate diverse creative interpretations rather than seeking 'right' answers
Use specific, descriptive praise to build confidence and understanding
Maintain calm, encouraging atmosphere during creative exploration
Ensure all children feel their ideas are valued and worth sharing
Connect movements clearly back to picture stimuli to reinforce learning process

Common Misconceptions

Children thinking there's only one 'correct' movement for each picture - emphasise multiple valid interpretations
Belief that perfect synchronization is required immediately - focus on effort and gradual improvement
Assumption that louder or bigger movements are always better - teach about control and appropriate expression
Misconception that they must copy exactly what others do - encourage individual creativity within partnership
Thinking that making mistakes means they're 'wrong' - frame mistakes as learning opportunities

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide movement breaks between seated activities, use clear visual and verbal cues

dyspraxia

Simplify movements, allow extra time for planning and practice, provide step-by-step movement breakdown

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of lesson activities, offer quiet space if overwhelmed, prepare for lesson content in advance

visual impairment

Use high contrast picture cards, provide tactile objects related to jungle animals, pair with sighted partner for support

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for music stops/starts, provide written picture descriptions, demonstrate all movements clearly

physical disability

Adapt movements for seated position, focus on upper body movements, provide supportive partner

Cross-Curricular Links

PSHE

Cooperation and collaboration skills, listening to others' ideas, taking turns and sharing resources

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the room during partner work to support all pairs, position centrally during demonstrations for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for genuine cooperation vs one child dominating, check movements match picture stimuli, monitor emotional responses to partner work

Intervention Points

Step in if partners are arguing or one is upset, support children struggling with creative ideas, help with timing if pairs are frustrated

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements so all children can see clearly, always demonstrate with enthusiasm, involve children in demonstrations when possible

Verbal Cues

•'Look at your picture together!'
•'What is your partner thinking?'
•'Try your idea, then try your partner's idea!'
•'1, 2, 3, 4 - stay together!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 6m x 8m clear space for Nursery class of 15 children, with additional corners for picture displays

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface checked for toys, wet areas or debris that could cause falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Picture cards laminated with rounded corners to prevent cuts
•Music volume at appropriate level to protect young hearing
•Mats or markers secured and evenly distributed

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during partner work and travelling activities
•Slips during energetic movement
•Emotional upset from partner conflicts
•Over-excitement leading to unsafe movement

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for movement areas
•Adult supervision of all partner interactions
•Progressive build-up from individual to pair work
•Regular reminders about safe, controlled movement

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all pairs during creation time
•Move around room during activities to monitor cooperation
•Watch for children becoming over-stimulated or distressed

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if conflict or injury occurs, assess situation, provide comfort and appropriate first aid, contact parents if necessary