Lesson 1 - Jungle Animal Movements and Actions
Creative Jungle Adventures Through Movement and Expression
•Reception
•Dance
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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
Position where all students can hear clearly
Alternative: Tablet with speaker, small portable speaker
Positioned at front of space for whole class viewing
Alternative: Large paper sheet, interactive whiteboard
Different colours for mind mapping
Alternative: Chalk for blackboard, dry wipe pens
Available in basket for enhancement activities
Alternative: Pom-poms, streamers, light fabric squares
Down in the Jungle, Lion Sleeps Tonight, Captain Hathi's March
Alternative: Downloaded tracks, streaming playlist
Key Vocabulary
How high or low we move our bodies - high, medium, low
Moving in time with the music or counts
Staying steady and in control when we move or stop
How we perform movements - fast/slow, strong/gentle
The movements we do with our bodies
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
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