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Big Question

How can we perform our jungle dance to show our best movement skills?

Learning Objectives

  • To understand what makes a good dance performance
  • To give helpful feedback using dance vocabulary
  • To improve our own performance based on partner feedback

Key Outcomes

  • Students will perform their jungle sequence with improved timing and expression
  • Students will identify specific elements of good performance
  • Students will give constructive feedback using dance terminology

Equipment & Resources Required

Music Player
1

Position for clear sound throughout hall

Alternative: iPad with portable speaker

Matilda Soundtrack
1

Queue up 'I Want to Be Like You' track

Alternative: Other jungle-themed music

Digital Cameras
1

Positioned to capture whole performance area

Alternative: Phone camera

Sun Markers
1

Ready for performance checklist

Alternative: Flip chart paper

Sticks
30 (optional)

Distributed around performance area if available

Alternative: Clapping hands, wooden spoons

Key Vocabulary

Performance

Dancing in front of an audience to show your skills

Timing

Moving your body in time with the music

Feedback

Helpful comments about someone's dancing

Levels

High, middle and low positions in dance

Expression

Showing feelings and character through movement

Sequence

A series of movements in a particular order

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic jungle-themed movements and gestures
  • Simple travelling patterns
  • Understanding of levels in dance

Current Skills

  • Performance skills and presentation
  • Peer evaluation and feedback
  • Musical timing and rhythm

Next Steps

  • Creating own dance sequences
  • Leading group performances
  • Advanced rhythm and timing work

Milestone Indicators

1
Maintains sequence from memory
2
Shows confidence in performance
3
Uses appropriate dance vocabulary in feedback

Key Teaching Points

  • Maintain supportive atmosphere throughout performance activities
  • Use specific dance vocabulary when giving feedback
  • Encourage application of feedback for immediate improvement
  • Model positive audience behaviour and respectful listening
  • Celebrate effort and progress over perfect performance
  • Ensure equal participation in both performing and feedback roles
  • Use performance checklist consistently for objective evaluation

Common Misconceptions

  • Performance must be perfect to be successful - emphasise effort and improvement
  • Feedback should focus on mistakes - teach positive feedback first approach
  • Only confident children can perform well - support all children to feel successful
  • Timing with music is too difficult for Reception - break down into manageable steps
  • Feedback is just being nice - teach specific and helpful observation skills

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Short performance segments, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, positive reinforcement
dyspraxia
  • Simplified sequences, extra practice time, peer buddy support, focus on effort over precision
autism spectrum
  • Clear routine structure, visual schedule, quiet space available, advance notice of filming
visual impairment
  • Clear verbal descriptions of performance area, tactile boundaries, partner support for navigation
hearing impairment
  • Visual demonstration of rhythm patterns, vibrating surfaces for beat, clear visual cues for timing
physical disability
  • Adapted movements for wheelchair users, seated performance options, modified feedback activities

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Speaking and listening skills during feedback, developing vocabulary for performance description

Art

Expression through movement, understanding performance as creative art form

Music

Understanding rhythm and beat, responding to musical structure and tempo

PSHE

Building confidence, giving and receiving feedback, celebrating achievements and supporting others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around space to observe all children, position near video equipment when filming

Observation Focus

Performance confidence, feedback quality, application of improvements, safety awareness

Intervention Points

Support children who struggle with feedback, guide performance discussions, manage excitement levels

Demonstration Notes

Model enthusiastic appreciation of performance, show how to give specific feedback, demonstrate active listening skills

Verbal Cues
  • •'Beautiful timing!'
  • •'I can see you listening carefully!'
  • •'Show me your improvement!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

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

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, clear of obstacles, adequate cushioning for floor work

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • •Video equipment secured and positioned away from movement area
  • •Music equipment positioned safely with no trailing wires
  • •Rhythm sticks checked for splinters if used

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • •Collisions during group performance
  • •Trips over equipment or audience members
  • •Over-excitement leading to loss of control
Risk Mitigation
  • •Clear performance boundaries established
  • •Safe audience positioning away from movement
  • •Regular reminders about controlled movement
  • •Adult supervision of video equipment

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • •Position to observe all children during performance
  • •Monitor energy levels and behaviour
  • •Ensure equal participation in feedback activities
Emergency Procedures

Stop music immediately if injury occurs, clear space for first aid, have contact details available