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Lesson 4 - African Animal Dance Movements

Rhythm & Cultural Storytelling

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Reception

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Dance

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30 min

Big Question

How can we move like African animals and keep in time with the music?

Learning Objectives

To clap and move to beats of 8 consistently
To copy and repeat 4 different African animal movements
To perform animal movements in sequence to music

Key Outcomes

Students will clap accurately to beats of 8
Students will perform 4 African animal movements with control
Students will link movements together in a sequence

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

1 per student (30)

Scattered around working area with adequate spacing

Alternative: Spots, hoops, or carpet squares

Music Player

Clear audio for whole class

Alternative: Tablet, phone with speaker

African-style Music

1 track

4/4 time signature, moderate tempo

Alternative: Drum beats, world music with clear rhythm

Key Vocabulary

Beat

A regular pulse in music that we can count and move to

Sequence

A series of movements performed one after another in order

Rhythm

The pattern of beats in music

Expression

Showing feeling and character through movement

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic marching on the spot
Simple clapping rhythms
Following basic instructions

Current Skills

Clapping to beats of 8
African animal movements
Sequence performance
Music coordination

Next Steps

Complex dance sequences
Partner and group formations
Creating own choreography

Milestone Indicators

Consistent beat keeping

Smooth movement transitions

Expressive performance

Key Teaching Points

Always establish the beat before adding movements
Use clear, exaggerated demonstrations for each animal
Encourage character expression not just technical accuracy
Maintain enthusiasm and energy throughout
Celebrate individual progress and effort
Use counting aloud to support rhythm development
Allow adequate space for safe movement

Common Misconceptions

Thinking beats must be fast - teach steady, moderate tempo
Focusing only on arms - emphasise whole body coordination
Believing perfect copying is required - encourage personal interpretation
Assuming all children learn at same pace - provide individual support
Thinking loud music helps - clear audio supports learning better

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear boundaries with cones, frequent movement changes, positive reinforcement every 2 minutes

dyspraxia

Break movements into smaller parts, extra practice time, simplified coordination patterns

autism spectrum

Visual schedule of animals, predictable routine, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use descriptive animal sounds, tactile cues for beat, partner support for movements

hearing impairment

Visual beat cues, vibrations through floor, clear demonstrations of all movements

physical disability

Seated versions of movements, adapted arm actions, focus on achievable elements

Cross-Curricular Links

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position where all students can see, move around during individual work

Observation Focus

Watch for timing accuracy, coordination development, and engagement levels

Intervention Points

Step in if students are off-beat, struggling with coordination, or showing fatigue

Demonstration Notes

Perform all movements with exaggerated clarity, use counting aloud, show character expression

Verbal Cues

•'Keep that steady beat!'
•'Show me those proud peacock feathers!'
•'Heavy elephant steps!'
•'Strong gorilla beats!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 8m x 8m clear area with 2m spacing between students

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Cones placed securely with no sharp edges
•Music volume appropriate for instruction hearing
•Clear walkways between cone positions

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during arm movements
•Trips over cones or feet
•Overexertion during energetic movements

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear personal space boundaries
•Demonstrate safe movement range
•Regular hydration reminders
•Monitor for fatigue signs

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all students simultaneously
•Move around space during activities
•Focus on transition safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if needed