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Lesson 1 - Pirate Movement and Expression

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 bodies to tell exciting pirate stories through movement?

Learning Objectives

To move safely and creatively in space showing pirate-themed movements
To use theme-related words to create different types of travel with good timing and levels
To develop the first 16 counts of a pirate dance motif through collaborative choreography

Key Outcomes

Students will perform simple movement patterns inspired by pirate themes
Students will contribute ideas to create collaborative choreography
Students will demonstrate understanding of levels, timing and dynamics in movement

Equipment & Resources Required

Music Player

Position for clear audio throughout hall

Alternative: Portable speaker, iPad with speaker

Whiteboards

Visible to all students when seated in listening area

Alternative: Large paper sheets, interactive whiteboard

Markers

3-4

Different colours for mind mapping

Alternative: Chalk for blackboard, dry wipe pens

Yo Ho! (A Pirates Life for Me) Music Track

1 track

Cued ready for warm-up

Alternative: Any upbeat pirate-themed song

He's a Pirate Music Track

1 track

Ready for main choreography section

Alternative: Instrumental pirate movie soundtrack

Key Vocabulary

Choreography

Creating and arranging dance movements in sequence

Levels

High, medium and low positions our bodies can make

Dynamics

How we perform movements - fast, slow, strong, gentle

Sequence

Movements performed one after another in order

Expression

Showing feelings and character through our movements

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic locomotor skills - walking, running, hopping
Simple copying of movements
Understanding of personal space

Current Skills

Creating theme-related movements and shapes
Working collaboratively to develop choreography
Performing simple movement sequences to music

Next Steps

Developing longer dance sequences
Adding more complex dynamics and expression
Working in smaller groups independently

Milestone Indicators

Shows creativity in movement responses

Maintains focus during longer sequences

Demonstrates improved body control and timing

Key Teaching Points

Always warm up thoroughly before energetic movement to prevent injury
Use pirate vocabulary consistently to maintain theme engagement throughout lesson
Emphasise creative interpretation rather than perfect replication of movements
Build sequences gradually - teach individual elements before combining
Create positive performance atmosphere where all students feel confident to participate
Connect movement exploration to real pirate themes and historical context
Use counting and rhythm to help students coordinate movements together

Common Misconceptions

All students must move exactly the same way - encourage individual interpretation while maintaining core structure
Pirates must be portrayed aggressively - focus on adventure, exploration and creativity instead
Dance must be perfect - emphasise effort, creativity and improvement over perfection
Boys don't enjoy dance activities - use adventure and character themes to engage all students
Mistakes are bad - celebrate attempts and learning from errors as part of creative process

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular movement breaks, clear boundaries and expectations, hands-on activities, positive reinforcement systems

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, visual and verbal cues combined, breakdown of complex sequences

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routine, visual timetable of activities, quiet space available if needed, sensory considerations for music volume

visual impairment

Detailed verbal descriptions of movements, physical guidance from teaching assistant, partner support system for activities

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, use of visual cues and gestures, written instructions available, vibrations for music rhythm

physical disability

Adapted movements for seated or supported positions, focus on upper body or achievable movements, alternative participation roles

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development through pirate themes, speaking and listening skills during discussions, creative use of language in movement interpretation

Maths

Counting beats and sequences, understanding patterns in choreography, timing and rhythm concepts

Art

Visual representation of ideas through movement, creative expression and interpretation

Geography

Mapping concepts through mind mapping, understanding seas and oceans where pirates sailed

History

Understanding historical context of pirates, exploring past events and lifestyles through movement

PSHE

Building confidence through performance, teamwork during group activities, giving and receiving feedback

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around hall during movement activities, central position for demonstrations, seated area visible to all during discussions

Observation Focus

Watch for creative interpretation, safe movement, timing accuracy, and engagement levels

Intervention Points

Step in if movements become unsafe, provide support for struggling learners, redirect off-task behaviour

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate movements clearly before asking students to copy, use exaggerated movements for visibility, model facial expressions and performance quality

Verbal Cues

•'Find your own pirate space!'
•'Show me strong pirate movements!'
•'Remember to count together!'
•'Use different levels like a real pirate!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 8m x 12m clear space for movement activities, separate listening area

Surface Check

Smooth, non-slip surface free from obstacles, adequate ceiling height for jumping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check music system volume is appropriate
•Ensure markers/pens have caps secured
•Verify whiteboard/flip chart is stable and secure

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during free movement exploration
•Overexertion during energetic pirate movements
•Trips or falls during Captain's Coming game

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for movement areas
•Adequate spacing emphasised throughout activities
•Progressive building from gentle to more energetic movements
•Clear instructions and demonstrations before each activity

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during scattered movement activities
•Monitor closely during Captain's Coming directional movements
•Watch for signs of overexertion or distress

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess any injuries, apply appropriate first aid, contact school office if needed