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Lesson 3 - Introduction to Motifs

From Seed to Flower: Creative Movement Through Natural Growth

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Year 1

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Dance

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30 min

Big Question

How can we move like champion dancers and create our own planting motif?

Learning Objectives

To respond to rhythm and patterns through movement
To control and co-ordinate bodies to perform a motif
To work collaboratively with a partner using mirroring and sequencing

Key Outcomes

Students will move in time with rhythm and clapping patterns
Students will perform a planting seed motif with control and coordination
Students will work effectively with a partner to create movement sequences

Equipment & Resources Required

Music Player

Position centrally for clear sound throughout space

Alternative: Voice counting or clapping for rhythm

Age-appropriate music

1 track

Choose music with clear, steady beat suitable for movement

Alternative: Steady drumbeat or metronome

Markers Cones

4-6

Mark clear boundaries and starting positions if needed

Alternative: Visual landmarks in the space

Key Vocabulary

Motif

A short movement sequence that can be repeated and developed

Rhythm

A regular repeated pattern of sound or movement

Syllable

A single unit of sound in a word that we can clap to

Mirror

Copying exactly what your partner does at the same time

Sequence

Movements performed one after another in a planned order

Champion dancer

Someone who moves with control, listens to rhythm, and moves purposefully

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic locomotor skills like walking and stepping
Simple body awareness and spatial concepts
Listening to music and following simple instructions

Current Skills

Responding to rhythm and beat patterns
Creating and performing a movement motif
Working collaboratively with a partner

Next Steps

Developing more complex motifs with varied dynamics
Creating group sequences and formations
Adding emotional expression to movement

Milestone Indicators

Moving consistently in time with external rhythm

Remembering and repeating movement sequences

Demonstrating controlled, purposeful actions

Key Teaching Points

Establish clear understanding of 'champion dancer' qualities from the start
Use syllable work to build rhythm awareness before introducing motif
Break down motif into manageable chunks rather than teaching all at once
Emphasise control and quality over speed throughout all activities
Use music to enhance timing but don't rely on it completely
Promote positive partnership work through clear role expectations
Connect all activities back to the growing/planting theme

Common Misconceptions

Students may think faster movement means better dancing - emphasise control and timing
Some may not understand that motifs can be repeated and varied - demonstrate consistency
Students might think syllables and beats are different things - show the connection clearly
Some may focus only on their own performance in partnerships - teach importance of cooperation
Students may think they need to be perfect immediately - encourage practice and improvement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use movement as positive outlet for energy

dyspraxia

Break down motif into smaller components, provide additional practice time, use simplified versions of movements

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules for motif sequence, allow for sensory breaks if needed

visual impairment

Use clear verbal descriptions of movements, provide tactile guidance for motif learning, ensure good spacing and clear audio cues

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide visual rhythm patterns, ensure students can see teacher demonstrations clearly

physical disability

Adapt motif to seated version, modify kneeling actions to standing alternatives, adjust movements to individual capabilities

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Syllable recognition and word structure, vocabulary development with flower names, speaking and listening skills

Maths

Counting syllables and beats, number patterns in star sequence (4,3,2,1), spatial awareness and positioning

Science

Plant growth cycles and needs (soil, water, light), understanding how seeds develop into plants

Music

Rhythm and beat recognition, moving in time with music, understanding patterns in sound

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position with clear view of all students, able to demonstrate effectively

Observation Focus

Watch for rhythm accuracy, movement control, partnership cooperation, and understanding of concepts

Intervention Points

Step in if partnerships struggle with cooperation, if students rush movements losing control, or if safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate all movements with exaggerated clarity, use students as examples when appropriate, show both good examples and common mistakes to correct

Verbal Cues

•'Champion dancers move with control!'
•'Listen to the beat and let it guide you!'
•'Big, clear actions so everyone can see!'
•'Work together like a team!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 6m x 6m clear space for partner work, suitable for kneeling

Surface Check

Clean, dry surface free from hazards, suitable for floor work

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Music at appropriate volume for hearing instructions
•Stable music player positioned safely away from movement area

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during partner walking activities
•Falls during kneeling transitions
•Overexcitement leading to loss of control

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between pairs
•Teach safe kneeling technique using hands for support
•Regular reminders about controlled, champion-like movement
•Clear partner selection and organisation process

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all pairs during partner work
•Monitor safe kneeling technique throughout motif practice
•Watch for appropriate pace during walking approaches

Emergency Procedures

Stop music immediately, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, clear space for emergency access if needed