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Lesson 5 - African Animal Dance Moves

Rhythm & Cultural Storytelling

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Reception

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Dance

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30 min

Big Question

How can we use our bodies to tell stories about different animals through dance?

Learning Objectives

Remember and recall four dance actions from the previous week
Explore and create two new animal-inspired dance movements
Begin to perform dance actions in a circle formation

Key Outcomes

Students will confidently perform at least 4 animal movements with control
Students will create and demonstrate 2 new animal movements in time with music
Students will successfully move in a circle formation whilst maintaining dance actions

Equipment & Resources Required

Hoops

1 per child (30)

Place hoops in scattered formation around activity area

Alternative: Large rings, rope circles, or imaginary hoops

African music

Test sound system before lesson begins

Alternative: Drum beats, world music, or rhythmic instrumental music

Coloured Cones

30 (1 per child)

Arrange in scattered formation with 2m spacing

Alternative: Spots, markers, or designated floor spaces

Cards

8-10 different African animals

Have readily available for reference during exploration

Alternative: Printed images or digital display

Key Vocabulary

Beat

The steady pulse in music that we can move to

Formation

The shape we make when dancing together

Expression

Using our face and body to show feelings or characters

Plumage

The beautiful feathers on a bird like a peacock

Trunk

The long nose of an elephant

Rhythm

The pattern of sounds and beats in music

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic marching on the spot to a steady beat
Four animal movements from Unit 2 Lesson 4 (Monkey, Peacock, Elephant, Gorilla)
Understanding of animal characteristics and movements
Basic spatial awareness and following instructions

Current Skills

Recall and perform previously learned dance actions
Create new movements inspired by African animals
Move in circle formation whilst maintaining dance actions
Express rhythm and beat through coordinated movement

Next Steps

Combine all animal movements into a complete dance sequence
Perform with confidence to an audience
Create simple choreography variations
Work collaboratively in small groups for dance creation

Milestone Indicators

Can perform 4+ animal movements without prompting

Shows creativity in new movement exploration

Maintains formation whilst dancing

Moves confidently in time with music beat

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise staying on feet during all animal movements to maintain dance character
Use clear counting patterns (8 beats) consistently throughout lesson
Encourage individual creativity during exploration while maintaining safety
Focus on expression and character rather than perfect technique
Build confidence through positive reinforcement of all attempts
Maintain circle formation through clear spatial instructions
Connect movements to real animal characteristics for deeper understanding

Common Misconceptions

Animals must be copied exactly - encourage creative interpretation
Faster movements are always better - emphasise controlled, expressive movement
Dancing requires perfection - celebrate effort and creativity over accuracy
Circle formation is just walking - explain cultural significance of circle dances
New movements replace old ones - show how all movements build into complete dance

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide additional movement breaks, use clear visual boundaries

dyspraxia

Simplify movement patterns, provide extra practice time, offer physical support for coordination

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of lesson sections, offer quiet space for breaks, use consistent routine structure

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of animal characteristics, provide tactile exploration of animal movements, pair with sighted partner for circle activities

hearing impairment

Use visual cues and demonstrations, provide vibration for music beat, use sign language for animal names

physical disability

Adapt movements to seated position, focus on upper body animal characteristics, modify circle formation for wheelchair access

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting in 8s during animal movements, circle shape recognition, spatial awareness concepts

Science

Animal habitats and characteristics, body movement and coordination, rhythm and pattern recognition

Geography

African continent and climate, animal habitats and environments

PSHE

Cooperation during circle activities, individual expression, celebrating diversity of movement

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around periphery of activity area maintaining visual contact with all children

Observation Focus

Watch for creative movement, safe spatial awareness, and engagement levels

Intervention Points

Support children struggling with coordination, manage over-excitement, assist with circle formation

Demonstration Notes

Use enthusiastic verbal encouragement rather than copying movements to maintain children's creativity

Verbal Cues

•'Stay in your own space!'
•'Feel the music beat!'
•'Show me your proud lion walk!'
•'Keep that circle round!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall minimum 15m x 15m or suitable outdoor area

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, clear of obstacles, marked boundaries visible

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check hoops have no cracks or sharp edges
•Ensure music volume appropriate for space
•Verify cones are stable and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during hoop rolling activities
•Trips and falls during energetic animal movements
•Overcrowding during circle formation
•Excessive excitement leading to loss of control

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing guidelines for all activities
•Emphasis on controlled movements throughout
•Teacher positioning for maximum visibility
•Regular reminders about personal space

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all children during hoop activities
•Move around outside of circle during formation work
•Stay central during animal movement exploration

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, clear pathways to exits, first aid kit accessible