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Lesson 3 - Friendship Through Movement

Jungle Book Dance Adventure

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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 show friendship and work together in perfect unison?

Learning Objectives

Compose a movement pattern to demonstrate movements which show friendship
Develop partner work skills through unison movement
Explore ideas and movements showing a friendship theme

Key Outcomes

Students will create and perform friendship-themed dance sequences with their partner
Students will demonstrate unison movement skills by moving together at the same time
Students will understand how body language and movement can express emotions and relationships

Equipment & Resources Required

Music Player

1 set

Position for clear sound throughout space

Alternative: iPad/phone with speaker, CD player

Coloured Mats

4 (different colours)

Place one in each corner of room

Alternative: Cones, hoops, or marked areas

Cards

4 cards (Tiger, Fish, Monkey, Parrot)

Display clearly on or near each mat

Alternative: Animal masks, written signs

The Jungle Book Audio/Video

Friendship section extract

Cued up ready to play

Alternative: Pre-recorded story extract, book to read aloud

Key Vocabulary

Unison

Moving at exactly the same time as your partner, like a mirror

Friendship

Caring about someone and being kind to them

Sequence

A series of movements that follow one after another

Beat

The steady pulse you can clap along to in music

Compose

To create or make up your own dance movements

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic locomotor skills (walking, jumping, hopping)
Following simple instructions and moving to music
Understanding of basic emotions and feelings

Current Skills

Creating movement patterns with a partner
Performing in unison with precise timing
Expressing friendship through movement and gesture

Next Steps

Developing longer, more complex dance sequences
Working in small groups to create collaborative dances
Adding props and costume elements to enhance performance

Milestone Indicators

Can maintain synchronisation with partner for 8 beats

Shows clear friendship themes in movement choices

Demonstrates good listening and collaboration skills

Key Teaching Points

Unison means moving at exactly the same time - emphasise precision over complexity
Friendship movements should be gentle, caring, and clearly show positive relationships
8-beat timing helps create structure and supports students in moving together
Partnership work requires listening, sharing ideas, and supporting each other
Creative movement expression is valued - there are many ways to show friendship
Connection between story themes and physical movement helps deepen understanding
Performance skills develop through practice and positive audience experiences

Common Misconceptions

Thinking unison just means doing similar movements - clarify it means exactly the same time
Believing movements must be complex to be good - emphasise that simple, well-timed movements are better
Assuming friendship movements must be hugs - show variety of ways to express friendship
Thinking only one partner should lead - explain that good partnerships involve shared leadership
Believing mistakes ruin the performance - teach that performances are about sharing learning, not perfection

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent movement breaks, clear boundaries and expectations, positive reinforcement for sustained attention, varied activity types

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, visual and verbal cues combined, celebration of effort over perfection

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet space available if needed, consistent partnership arrangements

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of movements, buddy system for spatial awareness, tactile cues for unison timing

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all movements, visual counting signals, use of vibrations for rhythm awareness

physical disability

Adapted movements for wheelchair users or limited mobility, upper body focus if needed, peer support for movement

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development (unison, friendship, sequence), listening skills during story time, speaking and listening through partner discussions

Maths

Counting to 8, pattern recognition in movement sequences, spatial awareness and positioning

Music

Rhythm and beat awareness through 8-count movements, listening skills with background music, tempo and timing concepts

PSHE

Friendship qualities and values, cooperation and teamwork, emotional expression through movement, building positive relationships

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all partnerships, central position for demonstrations and whole-class instruction

Observation Focus

Watch for unison timing, partnership cooperation, creative friendship movements, and safe practice

Intervention Points

Step in if partnerships struggling with cooperation, movements becoming unsafe, or students not engaging with friendship theme

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for visibility, always demonstrate with a student helper to show partnership aspects, model positive language and encouragement

Verbal Cues

•'Together, together!' for unison timing
•'Show me friendship!' to refocus on theme
•'Gentle movements!' for safety reminders

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 8m x 8m clear space, additional corner areas for warm-up mats

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles, adequate cushioning for movement

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Mats placed securely in corners with no trip hazards
•Audio equipment positioned safely away from movement areas
•Picture cards securely attached to avoid becoming slip hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during warm-up game
•Slips during partner movements
•Overexcitement leading to unsafe movements

Risk Mitigation

•Clear movement boundaries established and maintained
•Emphasis on gentle, controlled movements throughout
•Adequate spacing between partnerships during practice
•Teacher positioning for maximum supervision visibility

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all students during warm-up game
•Circulate during partner work to ensure safe practice
•Central position during performances for immediate intervention if needed

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, basic first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation route maintained