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Lesson 5 - Creating Our Seasons Dance Performance

Seasonal Storytelling Through Creative Movement

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Nursery

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Dance

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30 min

Big Question

How can we use our bodies to tell the story of the seasons through dance?

Learning Objectives

To work collaboratively in pairs showing good listening skills
To use visual images to create imaginative and creative dance movements
To combine individual movements into a structured group performance

Key Outcomes

Students will create a 4-count dance sequence inspired by seasonal images
Students will demonstrate effective partnership skills through movement creation
Students will perform a complete structured dance incorporating different levels and timing

Equipment & Resources Required

Cards

15-20 different images

Place in container for easy distribution to pairs

Alternative: Printed photos, laminated pictures, seasonal books

Music Player

Test volume levels before lesson starts

Alternative: Laptop with speakers, tablet with bluetooth speaker

Markers

20-30

Scattered around room for 'seasons box' positions

Alternative: Carpet squares, masking tape marks, bean bags

Music Tracks

3-4 songs

Queue tracks in order: Seasons Box Song, How's The Weather (Super Simple Songs)

Alternative: Spotify playlist, CD, downloaded MP3s

Key Vocabulary

Choreograph

To make up or create dance movements

Sequence

Movements that follow each other in order

Levels

High, middle, and low positions our bodies can make

Timing

Moving together at the same speed as the music

Partner

Someone you work with to create movements together

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Can move safely around a space
Can copy simple movements
Can work alongside others in parallel play

Current Skills

Creating movements inspired by visual stimuli
Working collaboratively with a partner
Combining movements into sequences

Next Steps

Creating longer dance sequences
Using props and costumes in dance
Performing with expression and emotion

Milestone Indicators

Child initiates movement ideas during partner work

Child can maintain rhythm for 4-8 counts

Child shows consideration for partner's space and ideas

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise that every child's creative interpretation is valuable and valid
Use consistent counting (1, 2, 3, 4) throughout all movement activities
Model excellent partnership behaviour and audience skills yourself
Connect all movements back to the seasonal theme for meaningful learning
Celebrate effort and creativity over technical perfection
Ensure all children experience success in both creating and performing
Build confidence through positive, specific feedback about what children are doing well

Common Misconceptions

Dance has to look 'perfect' - emphasise personal expression and creativity over exact technique
Boys can't or shouldn't enjoy dance - model that dance is for everyone regardless of gender
You need to be naturally 'good' at dance - focus on improvement and effort rather than innate ability
Pictures only show one 'right' way to move - encourage multiple interpretations of the same image
If you make a mistake you've failed - reframe mistakes as learning opportunities and part of the creative process

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, specific roles and responsibilities, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Simplified movements initially, extra practice time, breaking down complex sequences, visual and verbal cues combined, celebration of effort over perfection

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routine, visual schedule available, quiet space option, reduced sensory stimulation when needed, preparation for transitions

visual impairment

Use high contrast pictures, provide tactile elements, clear verbal descriptions of all movements, buddy system for spatial navigation

hearing impairment

Visual cues for timing, use of vibration for rhythm, clear visual demonstrations, written/picture instruction cards

physical disability

Adapted movements using available body parts, seated versions of activities, focus on upper body expression, assistive equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

PSHE

Building relationships, cooperation skills, expressing emotions through movement, celebrating diversity in creative expression

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around room perimeter during movement activities, centre front for demonstrations, within circle for discussions

Observation Focus

Watch for partnership dynamics, creative interpretation, safety awareness, and individual confidence levels

Intervention Points

Step in if partnerships struggling, provide additional support for complex movements, redirect unsafe behaviour immediately

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate movements clearly and enthusiastically, use counting consistently, model good partnership and audience behaviour

Verbal Cues

•'Remember to share ideas with your partner'
•'Show me big, clear movements'
•'Listen to the beat: 1, 2, 3, 4'
•'Find your own space'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 6m x 6m clear space for movement, additional space for pictures and equipment storage

Surface Check

Clean, dry floor suitable for bare feet or dance shoes, no slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Pictures laminated or in protective sleeves to prevent paper cuts
•Music system volume at appropriate level to avoid hearing damage
•Space markers placed securely to avoid tripping hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during individual travel sections
•Trips or falls during enthusiastic movement
•Emotional upset if not included in partnerships

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and pathways established
•Teacher positioning for maximum supervision
•Careful partnership allocation considering all children
•Progressive building of movement complexity

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all children during movement sections
•Circulate during partner work to monitor cooperation
•Stand where all children can see during demonstrations

Emergency Procedures

Stop music immediately, assess any injuries, comfort upset children, adapt activities for inclusion