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Lesson 2 - Creative Movement and Timing

Creative Storytelling Through Pirate Adventure Dance

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Year 1

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Dance

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use our imagination to create dance movements that tell a pirate story?

Learning Objectives

To develop creative ideas using theme-related words as stimulus for movement
To focus on timing and performing movements in unison
To create the second half of our pirate motif using choreographic skills

Key Outcomes

Students will create expressive movements inspired by pirate-themed vocabulary
Students will perform 32 counts of choreography with improved timing
Students will demonstrate confidence in sharing creative ideas with others

Equipment & Resources Required

Tunnel Systems

Position for clear sound throughout space

Alternative: Portable speaker, tablet with speaker

Cards

4 sets

Place one different pirate image in each corner of room

Alternative: Laminated pictures, posters on walls

Whiteboards

Positioned where all students can see for mind mapping

Alternative: Large paper, interactive whiteboard

Markers

Set of 4

Different colours for creating visual mind map

Alternative: Chalk, dry erase markers

Music Tracks

3 tracks

Pre-loaded: 'Yo Ho!', 'Talk Like A Pirate', 'He's a Pirate'

Alternative: YouTube, Spotify, CD

Key Vocabulary

Motif

A short dance phrase or movement pattern that can be repeated

Unison

When everyone performs the same movement at exactly the same time

Choreography

The art of creating and arranging dance movements

Dynamics

How movements are performed - fast, slow, strong, gentle

Levels

Different heights in dance - high, medium, low

Stimulus

The starting point or inspiration for creating movements

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic body awareness and movement in space
Simple locomotor skills (walking, marching, jumping)
Following simple instructions and copying movements
First 16 counts of pirate motif from previous lesson

Current Skills

Creating original movements from verbal stimuli
Performing movements in unison with others
Combining movements into longer sequences
Using timing and dynamics in dance

Next Steps

Developing more complex choreographic sequences
Working in small groups to create dances
Using props and costumes in dance
Exploring different musical styles and rhythms

Milestone Indicators

Confidently creates movements that clearly represent the chosen theme

Maintains timing throughout a 32-count sequence

Shows improvement in balance and coordination

Demonstrates respect for others' creative ideas

Key Teaching Points

Always connect movement creation to pirate vocabulary and theme
Emphasise that creativity has no wrong answers when movements are safe
Count consistently throughout to develop strong timing skills
Celebrate individual interpretation while working toward group unison
Build confidence through positive feedback and inclusive participation
Use pirate character to enhance engagement and expression
Connect each lesson to previous learning and future development

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking there's only one 'right' way to interpret each word - address by celebrating variety in demonstrations
Believing dance is only for certain students - counter with inclusive language and universal participation
Thinking movements must be complex to be good - emphasise that simple, clear movements can be very effective
Assuming timing doesn't matter in creative dance - consistently reinforce importance of staying together
Believing feedback should only be positive - teach specific, constructive observations using dance vocabulary

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity segments, provide regular movement breaks, clear visual and verbal instructions, positive behaviour reinforcement, designated space boundaries

dyspraxia

Break movements into smaller steps, allow extra practice time, provide additional visual and verbal cues, pair with supportive partner, celebrate effort over perfection

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of lesson structure, allow preview of movements before group participation, offer quiet space if needed, maintain consistent routines

visual impairment

Use clear verbal descriptions of movements, provide tactile guidance for positioning, ensure strong contrast for visual aids, pair with sighted buddy

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, provide written instructions on board, use hand signals for timing, ensure students can see teacher clearly

physical disability

Adapt movements for seated or modified positions, focus on upper body or achievable movements, provide alternative ways to show creativity

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development through pirate-themed words, speaking and listening during feedback sessions, creative expression through movement storytelling

History

Learning about pirates as historical figures, understanding historical themes and contexts, exploration of seafaring life

Music

Rhythm and timing skills, listening to different musical styles, coordinating movement with musical beats and phrases

PSHE

Building confidence and self-esteem, cooperation and teamwork, giving and receiving feedback positively, celebrating creativity

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the space to observe all students, position near audio controls for quick music management

Observation Focus

Watch for creative interpretation, safe movement execution, engagement with pirate theme, timing with music

Intervention Points

Step in if movements become unsafe, help students who struggle with sequence memory, support nervous performers

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate with clear pirate character, exaggerate movements for visibility, count aloud consistently, show enthusiasm for students' ideas

Verbal Cues

•'Strong pirate bodies!'
•'Listen to the music!'
•'Show me your fierce pirate face!'
•'Remember to breathe!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 8m x 8m clear space, or school hall/large classroom with furniture moved

Surface Check

Non-slip surface essential, check for wet areas, ensure adequate grip for lunging movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Audio equipment positioned safely away from movement area
•Corner cards securely attached to walls, no sharp edges
•Whiteboard markers capped when not in use

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during corners game
•Falls during lunging or jumping movements
•Overexcitement leading to loss of control
•Students bumping into walls or equipment

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for movement area
•Emphasis on controlled movement throughout
•Adequate spacing between students during sequences
•Progressive teaching of more complex movements

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all students during movement
•Monitor corners game for safe travel between areas
•Watch for students attempting movements beyond their ability
•Ensure audience behaviour remains appropriate and safe

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact office if needed