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Lesson 5 - Nursery Rhyme Partner Choreography

Storytelling Through Movement and Creative Dance

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Nursery

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Dance

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45 min

Big Question

How can we work together to tell stories through movement and dance?

Learning Objectives

To work collaboratively in pairs showing good listening and communication skills
To use visual stimuli to create imaginative and creative dance movements
To develop timing, coordination and spatial awareness through group choreography

Key Outcomes

Students will create an 8-16 count dance section working in partnership
Students will demonstrate improved timing and coordination in group performance
Students will show confidence in sharing ideas and giving constructive feedback

Equipment & Resources Required

Cards

15-20 nursery rhyme themed images

Place in basket for easy distribution to pairs

Alternative: Large picture books, printed images from internet

Tunnel Systems

1 with volume control

Test all tracks before lesson begins

Alternative: Phone/tablet with portable speaker

Sun Markers

20 spots or cones

Distributed around space for partner work areas

Alternative: Masking tape squares, carpet tiles

Digital Cameras

1 for recording

Ensure sufficient storage space and battery

Alternative: Phone with video capability

Key Vocabulary

Choreography

The art of making up and arranging dance movements

Partner work

Dancing or moving together with another person

Timing

Moving in time with the music or counting beats

Levels

Different heights in dance - high, medium, low

Sequence

A series of movements that follow one after another

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Can move safely around the space
Understands basic concepts of high, medium, low levels
Has experience working individually in dance

Current Skills

Partner collaboration and communication
Interpreting visual stimuli into movement
Creating choreographed sequences with timing

Next Steps

Development of longer dance sequences
Introduction to more complex partner formations
Performance skills and audience awareness

Milestone Indicators

Can work cooperatively with different partners

Shows creativity in movement interpretation

Demonstrates improved timing and spatial awareness

Key Teaching Points

Partner work requires both talking and listening - emphasise turn-taking
Pictures are inspiration, not exact copying - encourage creative interpretation
Timing in dance helps everyone work together - use strong counting
Performance is about sharing joy, not perfection - celebrate all efforts
Cool down is important after energetic activity - model calm transitions
Feedback should be specific and positive - teach observation skills
Safety in movement means awareness of space and others

Common Misconceptions

That movements must exactly copy what's in pictures - clarify that pictures inspire creative interpretation
That partner work means doing identical movements - explain unison, mirroring, and complementary movements
That performance means being perfect - emphasise enjoyment and effort over technical perfection
That feedback means finding problems - teach positive, descriptive observation
That dance is only for certain children - reinforce that everyone can move and create

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent changes of activity, clear physical boundaries, opportunities for movement breaks, positive behaviour support

autism spectrum

Clear structure with visual schedule, quiet space available if needed, predictable routines, advance warning of transitions

visual impairment

Large, high-contrast picture cards, verbal descriptions of images, tactile elements where possible, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all instructions, picture cards as visual cues, vibrating music system for beat awareness

physical disability

Adapted movements for seated or supported positions, focus on upper body or achievable movements, modified partner interactions

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development through movement terms, speaking and listening during partner discussions, following instructions

Maths

Counting beats and sequences, understanding patterns in movement, spatial awareness and positioning

Art

Visual interpretation of pictures into movement, understanding how images can inspire creativity

PSHE

Working cooperatively with others, building confidence, expressing ideas respectfully, celebrating diversity of ideas

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the space during partner work, position centrally for demonstrations and group work

Observation Focus

Watch for effective partnership communication, creative movement interpretation, timing and coordination

Intervention Points

Step in to support struggling partnerships, redirect overexuberant movement, guide creative block

Demonstration Notes

Use enthusiastic but controlled energy, make movements large and clear for visibility, model positive partnership interactions

Verbal Cues

•'Work together like a team!'
•'What do you see in your picture?'
•'Count together: 1, 2, 3, 4!'
•'Show me your best listening!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 8m x 8m clear space for partner work and group choreography

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface suitable for dance movements and floor work

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Picture cards laminated with rounded corners
•Music system positioned safely away from movement area
•Space markers secure and non-slip

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during individual travel sections
•Falls during level changes
•Overexcitement leading to unsafe movement

Risk Mitigation

•Clear movement boundaries established
•Practice safe transitions between levels
•Regular reminders about spatial awareness
•Teacher positioned for optimal supervision

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all children during partner work
•Move around space during exploration phases
•Monitor energy levels and provide calm guidance

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess any incidents, provide appropriate first aid or comfort