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Lesson 4 - Seasonal Expression and Creativity

Themed Movement Exploration

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Reception

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Dance

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45 min

Big Question

How can our bodies tell stories about the different seasons through movement and expression?

Learning Objectives

To explore seasonal themes using creative movement and facial expression
To choreograph a short sequence that clearly demonstrates understanding of a chosen season
To perform with confidence and expression, sharing creative ideas with others

Key Outcomes

Students will create and perform movements that clearly represent different seasons
Students will use facial expressions and body language to enhance their seasonal dance
Students will work collaboratively to develop and share creative sequences

Equipment & Resources Required

Cards

4 sets (1 per season zone)

Place in designated season zones around room

Alternative: Simple drawings, toy items representing seasons

Cones

12-16 pieces

Use to clearly define the four seasonal zones

Alternative: Hula hoops, tape lines, mats

Music Player

Prepare seasonal-themed music for each activity

Alternative: Piano, singing, clapping rhythms

Music Tracks

4-5 different pieces

Select music that enhances mood of each season

Alternative: Nature sounds, simple instrumental music

Key Vocabulary

Expression

Using your face and body to show feelings and emotions

Seasons

The four different times of year: spring, summer, autumn, and winter

Sequence

A series of movements that follow one after another in order

Choreograph

To create and arrange dance movements

Performance

Showing your dance to others with confidence and expression

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of body parts and how they move
Simple travelling movements like walking, running, skipping
Beginning awareness of space and moving safely around others

Current Skills

Using whole body expression to represent seasons
Creating and remembering short movement sequences
Working cooperatively with partners

Next Steps

Combining expression with more complex choreography
Using props and costumes to enhance expression
Creating longer sequences with clear beginning, middle, and end

Milestone Indicators

Spontaneously adds facial expressions to movement

Confidently performs in front of others

Demonstrates clear seasonal characteristics through movement

Key Teaching Points

Expression comes from both face and whole body working together
Each season has unique characteristics that can be shown through movement
Creativity is more important than perfection in seasonal interpretation
Collaborative work requires listening, sharing, and compromise
Performance is about sharing creativity, not competing with others
Movement quality matters more than complexity
Reflection helps consolidate learning about expression and seasons

Common Misconceptions

Students may think expression only involves facial expressions - teach whole body expression
Some may copy others exactly instead of being creative - encourage individual interpretation
Students might think there's only one 'right' way to show each season - celebrate diverse ideas
Some may focus on technical perfection over expressive quality - emphasise feeling over form
Students may think louder or bigger is always better expression - teach subtle and controlled expression
Some may avoid performing due to self-consciousness - create supportive, non-judgmental environment

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, incorporate movement breaks, use kinesthetic seasonal exploration

dyspraxia

Break movements into smaller steps, provide extra practice time, use simpler seasonal movements, focus on expression over complex choreography

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules, create quiet spaces if needed, prepare for seasonal topic in advance, allow processing time

visual impairment

Use tactile seasonal props, provide verbal descriptions of visual cues, emphasise audio elements like seasonal sounds, pair with sighted partner for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations clearly, provide written instructions, use gestures and sign language, ensure they can see teacher and other students

physical disability

Adapt movements for seated or supported positions, focus on upper body expression, modify seasonal movements to capability level, ensure accessible zones

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development for seasonal words, storytelling through movement, descriptive language for expression

Science

Understanding seasonal changes, weather patterns, how animals and plants adapt to seasons

Art

Using colour, texture, and movement to express emotions and seasons, creating visual representations

Geography

Weather and climate, seasonal patterns around the world, how seasons affect environments

PSHE

Expressing emotions appropriately, working collaboratively, building confidence in performance and sharing

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between zones during rotations, position for clear view during performances, join circle for discussions

Observation Focus

Quality of expression, creative interpretation, collaborative skills, understanding of seasonal characteristics

Intervention Points

Support students struggling with creative ideas, facilitate partner negotiations, encourage expression development

Demonstration Notes

Model clear expression, demonstrate seasonal characteristics enthusiastically, show collaborative working

Verbal Cues

•'Show it with your whole body!'
•'What does your face look like when you feel cold?'
•'Let your movements tell the story!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor space minimum 8m x 8m, clear of obstacles with soft flooring preferred

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from hazards, adequate cushioning for floor work

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Ensure props are lightweight and safe to handle
•Check cones/markers are stable and visible
•Secure seasonal images to prevent slipping

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during seasonal zone rotations
•Slips during expressive movements
•Over-excitement leading to unsafe movements

Risk Mitigation

•Clear zone boundaries and rotation procedures
•Emphasis on controlled, thoughtful movement
•Regular reminders about spatial awareness

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all zones during rotations
•Monitor individual exploration for safety
•Watch for inclusive participation in pairs

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students remain calm and safe