🎵

Lesson 1 - Jungle Animal Movements and Actions

Creative Jungle Adventures Through Movement and Expression

•

Reception

•

Dance

•

45 min

Big Question

How can we use our bodies to become different jungle animals and tell their stories through movement?

Learning Objectives

To move safely in space taking care of ourselves and others with good spatial awareness
To create simple jungle animal shapes, movements and actions using different body parts
To contribute ideas to a jungle theme mind map and translate them into movement

Key Outcomes

Students will experiment with different ways of moving like jungle animals
Students will develop the first 12 counts of a jungle-themed dance motif
Students will demonstrate control, timing and balance in their movements

Equipment & Resources Required

Music Player

Position where all students can hear clearly

Alternative: Tablet with speaker, small portable speaker

Whiteboards

Positioned at front of space for whole class viewing

Alternative: Large paper sheet, interactive whiteboard

Markers

2-3

Different colours for mind mapping

Alternative: Chalk for blackboard, dry wipe pens

Scarves

Available in basket for enhancement activities

Alternative: Pom-poms, streamers, light fabric squares

Music Tracks

3-4 tracks

Down in the Jungle, Lion Sleeps Tonight, Captain Hathi's March

Alternative: Downloaded tracks, streaming playlist

Key Vocabulary

Levels

How high or low we move our bodies - high, medium, low

Timing

Moving in time with the music or counts

Balance

Staying steady and in control when we move or stop

Dynamics

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

Actions

The movements we do with our bodies

Sequence

A series of movements performed one after another

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic locomotor skills like walking, running, jumping
Simple copying of movements and actions
Following simple instructions and staying in own space

Current Skills

Creating themed movements and actions
Performing movements with timing and control
Working collaboratively and giving simple feedback

Next Steps

Developing longer dance sequences
Creating more complex animal characterisations
Leading others in movement activities

Milestone Indicators

Can move with spatial awareness and safety

Shows creativity in movement interpretation

Demonstrates improving timing and control

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise character and expression in animal movements rather than perfect technique
Use imagery and storytelling to engage imagination and creativity
Build sequence gradually - teach individual actions before combining
Encourage personal interpretation while maintaining basic structure
Focus on effort, improvement and enjoyment over performance perfection
Use music to enhance engagement and support timing development
Celebrate creativity and individual expression in movement interpretation

Common Misconceptions

Thinking all movements must be performed exactly the same way - encourage personal interpretation
Believing bigger movements are always better - focus on control and appropriate size
Assuming sequence must be perfect - emphasise learning process over final product
Thinking jungle animals only move in stereotypical ways - explore variety and creativity
Believing performance requires perfection - celebrate effort and participation

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short, varied activities with clear transitions, movement breaks built in

dyspraxia

Simplified movements, extra practice time, focus on effort over precision

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use of clear verbal descriptions, tactile props, buddy system for movement guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, hand signals for timing, written sequence cards

physical disability

Adapted movements focusing on accessible body parts, seated versions available

Cross-Curricular Links

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during instruction, moving around space during practice to support individuals

Observation Focus

Watch for creativity, effort, spatial awareness, and collaborative skills

Intervention Points

Support students struggling with timing, offer movement modifications, encourage shy participants

Demonstration Notes

Make movements large and clear, use counting and rhythm, show character and expression

Verbal Cues

•'Show me your animal character!'
•'Remember to use all your space!'
•'Listen to the beat!'
•'What makes your animal special?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 8m x 8m clear space for whole class movement

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check props have no sharp edges or small parts
•Ensure scarves/ribbons are appropriate length (not choking hazard)
•Music equipment positioned safely away from movement area

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during free movement
•Trips and falls during energetic actions
•Unsafe use of props around neck area

Risk Mitigation

•Clear movement boundaries established
•Emphasis on spatial awareness throughout
•Specific safety instructions for prop usage
•Gradual build-up of movement intensity

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Monitor prop usage carefully
•Watch for fatigue during energetic sections

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid if needed