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Lesson 4 - Partner Choreography with Picture Stimulus

Creative Jungle Adventures Through Movement and Expression

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Reception

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Dance

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45 min

Big Question

How can we work together to bring jungle pictures to life through dance?

Learning Objectives

To work effectively in pairs, demonstrating good listening and cooperation skills
To use picture stimuli to create imaginative and creative dance actions
To develop fundamental movement skills including hopping, skipping, balancing and jumping

Key Outcomes

Students will create a 4-count dance sequence inspired by jungle imagery
Students will demonstrate partner work skills including turn-taking and sharing ideas
Students will perform their created sequence with confidence to an audience

Equipment & Resources Required

Tunnel Systems

Position for clear sound throughout space

Alternative: Bluetooth speaker, laptop with speakers

Cards

8-10 different images

4 pictures for corners activity, remainder for pair work

Alternative: Laminated A4 pictures, iPad with jungle images

Cones

Mark four corners of movement space clearly

Alternative: Hoops, spot markers, masking tape

Marked Spaces

Minimum 8m x 8m

Clear, safe space with non-slip surface

Alternative: School hall, large classroom with furniture moved

Key Vocabulary

Choreography

The art of creating and arranging dance movements into sequences

Stimulus

Something that inspires or gives us ideas for movement

Sequence

Movements that follow each other in a planned order

Timing

Moving together at the same speed as your partner or the music

Levels

How high or low our body is during movement

Expression

Using our face and body to show feelings and character

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic locomotion skills (walking, running, jumping)
Simple balance poses
Following music and rhythm
Working individually in dance

Current Skills

Partner cooperation and communication
Creative interpretation of visual stimuli
4-count sequence creation
Performance confidence

Next Steps

Extending sequences to 8-count patterns
Creating narrative through dance
Working in small groups
Adding props to enhance performance

Milestone Indicators

Maintains character/animal throughout movement

Shows clear beginning, middle and end in sequences

Demonstrates spatial awareness with partner

Uses different levels and directions confidently

Key Teaching Points

Model the creative process explicitly - think aloud when interpreting pictures
Emphasise quality of partnership over complexity of movement
Use consistent counting rhythm throughout to develop musical timing
Celebrate creative interpretation rather than 'correct' answers
Build performance confidence gradually through positive feedback
Connect all movements clearly to jungle theme for engagement
Provide adequate practice time before expecting performance

Common Misconceptions

Children thinking they must include everything from the picture - guide towards choosing one clear element
Believing movements must be realistic animal movements - encourage abstract interpretation
Partners assuming one person should lead - emphasise collaborative creation
Thinking mistakes in performance are failures - reframe as learning opportunities
Assuming faster movements are better - emphasise control and timing over speed

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments with clear boundaries. Provide fidget tools if needed during sitting times. Use high-energy activities to channel focus positively.

dyspraxia

Simplify movement sequences and provide extra practice time. Use clear, step-by-step demonstrations. Allow children to mark their own tempo within the music.

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule showing lesson structure. Allow extra processing time for picture interpretation. Offer quiet space if overstimulated. Use clear, consistent language and routines.

visual impairment

Use high-contrast pictures with clear, simple images. Provide tactile elements or objects related to jungle theme. Use clear verbal descriptions of all visual stimuli.

hearing impairment

Use visual cues and demonstrations extensively. Provide picture cards showing movement instructions. Use vibrating signals or visual start/stop cues instead of audio cues.

physical disability

Adapt movements to seated or supported positions. Focus on upper body or achievable movement ranges. Provide alternative ways to show jungle animals through hand movements or facial expressions.

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development through jungle animals and movement words, speaking and listening during partner work and feedback

Science

Understanding how animals move and behave, exploring how our bodies work during different types of movement

Art

Visual interpretation and creative response to pictures, understanding how art can inspire other forms of expression

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork skills, building confidence through performance, respecting others' ideas and creativity

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Circulate during pair work, central position for demonstrations, edge of room for group performances

Observation Focus

Partner cooperation, creative interpretation, timing and coordination, engagement levels

Intervention Points

Step in if partnership conflicts arise, support struggling pairs with gentle guidance, extend learning for advanced students

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate with clear, exaggerated movements that children can easily see and copy. Count aloud consistently to establish rhythm.

Verbal Cues

•'Look closely at your picture'
•'Listen to your partner's idea'
•'Count together: 1, 2, 3, 4'
•'Strong jungle movements!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 8m x 8m clear space, suitable for energetic movement

Surface Check

Non-slip floor surface, free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Picture cards laminated to prevent tearing
•Cones/markers stable and visible
•Music equipment positioned safely away from movement area

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during energetic jungle movements
•Overexcitement leading to unsafe movement
•Slips during dynamic movements

Risk Mitigation

•Clear movement boundaries established
•Adequate spacing between pairs during creation phase
•Emphasis on controlled movements throughout
•Progressive build-up from gentle to more energetic movement

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all pairs during independent work
•Monitor group dynamics for positive interaction
•Watch for children becoming overwhelmed or overstimulated

Emergency Procedures

Standard school procedures for minor injuries, first aid kit accessible