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Lesson 2 - Jungle Movement and Partner Shapes

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 tell the story of Mowgli's jungle adventures with a partner?

Learning Objectives

Perform with awareness of body shape whilst working collaboratively with a partner
Show control, coordination and spatial awareness in dance movements
Demonstrate musicality and respond naturally to rhythm throughout performance

Key Outcomes

Students will create and perform three different still shapes with a partner, each held for 3 counts
Students will link shapes with travelling actions to create a jungle journey sequence
Students will demonstrate understanding of the Jungle Book story through movement

Equipment & Resources Required

Music Player

Position centrally for clear sound throughout hall

Alternative: iPad/tablet with speakers, CD player

Instrumental Music

1 track

Have track queued and volume tested before lesson

Alternative: Nature sounds, tribal drumming music

Markers Cones

8-10

Mark safe boundaries around dance area

Alternative: Spots, bean bags for boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Still shape

A frozen position that tells part of a story, like a statue or photograph

Travelling

Moving from one place to another using different actions

Sequence

A series of movements performed one after another in order

Partner work

Working together with another person to create movements

Rhythm

The beat or pulse in music that we can move to

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of body parts
Ability to make simple shapes with their body
Basic listening skills

Current Skills

Creating still shapes with a partner
Travelling actions between shapes
Responding to music and rhythm

Next Steps

Creating longer dance sequences
Adding more complex travelling actions
Performing with expression and character

Milestone Indicators

Can hold shapes for 3 counts without wobbling

Shows clear differentiation between different shapes

Demonstrates cooperative partner work

Key Teaching Points

Partners must work together cooperatively throughout all activities
All shapes should be held still for 3 clear counts to develop control
Travelling actions should reflect jungle animals and stay in character
Music is used to support movement quality and rhythm development
Safety through controlled movements and appropriate spacing
Link all movements back to The Jungle Book story for meaningful context
Encourage creativity while maintaining structure and safety

Common Misconceptions

Thinking shapes need to be identical rather than complementary between partners
Believing faster movements are better rather than controlled, quality movements
Assuming all travelling must be at ground level rather than exploring different heights
Thinking performance means perfect rather than confident and committed
Believing dance requires special ability rather than willingness to explore and express

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Movement breaks built into activity, clear visual boundaries, regular refocusing activities, shorter sequence requirements

dyspraxia

Simpler shapes with less balance challenge, additional practice time, visual and verbal cues combined, seated alternatives

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson structure, consistent partner pairings, quiet space available if needed, predictable routine

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of shapes, partner guidance system, tactile cues for positioning, ensure music is clear for audio cues

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with exaggerated movements, hand signals for counting, vibration cues through floor contact

physical disability

Adapted shapes using available range of movement, seated versions where needed, focus on achievable movements

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development with jungle and movement words, story comprehension through The Jungle Book narrative, descriptive language for shape and movement qualities

Maths

Counting in 3s for shape holds, understanding sequence and pattern, spatial concepts of high/low levels

Geography

Learning about jungle environments and habitats, understanding different climates where jungles exist

Music

Responding to rhythm and beat, interpreting music through movement, understanding how music supports storytelling

PSHE

Partner cooperation and communication, building confidence through performance, celebrating others' achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around space to see all pairs, position centrally for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Partner cooperation, shape quality, spatial awareness, musical response

Intervention Points

Step in if partners struggling to cooperate, unsafe movements, or students not engaging

Demonstration Notes

Use teaching assistant or confident student for partner demonstrations, exaggerate movements for visibility, model positive partner cooperation

Verbal Cues

•'Hold that shape... 1, 2, 3!'
•'Travel together with your partner'
•'Make your shapes clear like photographs'
•'Listen to the jungle music and let it help you move'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 10m x 10m clear space, soft flooring preferred (gym mats if hard floor)

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from obstacles, adequate space between pairs

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Music volume at appropriate level to hear instructions
•No loose equipment in movement area
•Boundary markers placed safely around edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during travelling movements
•Loss of balance during shape-making
•Overexertion during warm-up tag game

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and pathways established
•Controlled movements only - no running during dance
•Partner spacing monitored throughout
•Gentle tagging rules enforced during warm-up

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all students during partner work
•Monitor partner interactions for safety and cooperation
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overheating

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, contact office if needed