Start Planning Better PE Lessons

Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.

What's included

  • Complete activity instructions & timing
  • Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
  • Assessment guidance & success criteria
  • Downloadable lessons & units
No credit card
Free forever
Big Question

How can we perform our best and help others improve their dancing?

Learning Objectives

  • To understand what makes a good performance
  • To give constructive feedback to our partner
  • To improve our own performance based on feedback received

Key Outcomes

  • Students will perform their Toy-themed dance sequence with confidence
  • Students will identify key elements of good performance
  • Students will give simple, positive feedback to peers using dance vocabulary

Equipment & Resources Required

Tunnel Systems
1

Positioned for clear sound throughout space

Alternative: Bluetooth speaker, tablet with speakers

Toy Box Song Music
1 track

Warm-up track ready to play

Alternative: Any upbeat children's song about toys

Once Around the Toybox Music
1 track

Performance track prepared and tested

Alternative: Familiar toy-themed music with clear beat

Video Device
1

Charged and positioned for good angle of performance space

Alternative: Tablet, smartphone, digital camera

Whiteboards
1

Positioned where all students can see performance checklist

Alternative: Large paper, display board

Sticks
1 per student (30)

Available for rhythm work if desired

Alternative: Wooden blocks, tambourines, hand clapping

Key Vocabulary

Performance

Dancing for others to watch, showing our best movements

In time

Moving with the beat of the music

Levels

High, middle, and low positions in our dance

Feedback

Helpful comments to help someone improve

Expression

Showing feelings and character through our movements

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic movement patterns and coordination
  • Simple dance sequences and rhythm awareness
  • Understanding of levels and travelling movements

Current Skills

  • Performance skills and presentation
  • Peer evaluation and constructive feedback
  • Self-reflection and improvement techniques

Next Steps

  • More complex choreography and sequences
  • Leading dance movements for others
  • Creating original dance compositions

Milestone Indicators

1
Maintains timing throughout entire sequence
2
Shows confidence when performing for others
3
Uses specific vocabulary when giving feedback

Key Teaching Points

  • Maintain focus on celebration and achievement rather than perfection
  • Use specific dance vocabulary consistently throughout lesson
  • Ensure all feedback follows 2 stars and a wish format
  • Model enthusiastic appreciation for all students' efforts
  • Balance individual performance opportunities with supportive group work
  • Connect timing work to musical beat rather than just counting
  • Encourage students to see improvement as the main goal

Common Misconceptions

  • Performance means it has to be perfect - emphasise that performance is about sharing our dancing with confidence
  • Feedback means finding what's wrong - teach that feedback helps us improve and celebrates what's good
  • Some students are 'good' dancers and others aren't - reinforce that everyone can be a good dancer with practice
  • Timing means going fast - clarify that timing means moving with the music's beat
  • Levels just mean high and low - expand to include middle level and smooth transitions between levels

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Build in movement breaks, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use positive reinforcement frequently
dyspraxia
  • Break down movements into smaller steps, provide additional practice time, offer support with sequencing
autism spectrum
  • Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet space if overwhelmed, use visual schedule for lesson sequence
visual impairment
  • Use clear verbal descriptions of movements, provide tactile guidance for positioning, ensure good contrast for any visual aids
hearing impairment
  • Use visual signals for timing, provide vibration opportunities to feel rhythm, ensure clear line of sight for demonstrations
physical disability
  • Adapt movements to seated or supported positions, focus on achievable range of motion, provide alternative ways to participate

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Speaking and listening skills through feedback discussions, vocabulary development with dance terms

Maths

Counting beats and rhythm patterns, understanding timing sequences

Music

Understanding beat and rhythm, responding to musical patterns and tempo changes

PSHE

Building confidence, giving and receiving feedback respectfully, celebrating achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around space to observe all students, position near music controls for quick access

Observation Focus

Watch for timing accuracy, confidence levels, and quality of peer interactions

Intervention Points

Step in if feedback becomes unkind, support nervous performers, ensure all students participate

Demonstration Notes

Show enthusiasm for performances, model appropriate feedback language, demonstrate timing clearly with whole body

Verbal Cues
  • •'In time with the music!'
  • •'Heads up, looking proud!'
  • •'Use our dance words!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 8m x 8m clear space for whole group performance, additional space for audience seating

Surface Check

Smooth, non-slip surface free from obstacles, adequate space between performers

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • •Check music system volume levels before lesson
  • •Ensure recording device is secure and won't fall
  • •If using instruments, check for damage or sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • •Collisions during group performance
  • •Students becoming overexcited during performances
  • •Tripping over recording equipment or trailing cables
Risk Mitigation
  • •Clear boundaries established for performance space
  • •Adequate spacing maintained between students
  • •Regular reminders about controlled movements

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • •Position for clear view of all performers
  • •Monitor audience behaviour during performances
  • •Watch for signs of fatigue or overstimulation
Emergency Procedures

Stop music immediately if incident occurs, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid and comfort