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Lesson 4 - Mirroring and Following Movements

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 move together like a reflection in a mirror?

Learning Objectives

To compose a sequence demonstrating mirroring and following movements
To watch others' performances and suggest improvements
To create a short dance sequence based on visual stimulus from The Jungle Book

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate understanding of mirroring by performing synchronised movements with a partner
Students will show leadership skills by leading and following in dance sequences
Students will create and perform a dance sequence inspired by video stimulus

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls

20 (10 per team)

Place in baskets at each end of the hall for Coconut Rush activity

Alternative: Any soft throwing objects, rolled up socks

Cones

6-8

Create a centre dividing line across the width of the hall

Alternative: Chalk lines, tape on floor

Music Player

Pre-load 'I Wanna Be Like You' from The Jungle Book movie

Alternative: Tablet with speakers, portable speaker

Display Screen

Position where all students can clearly see the video clip

Alternative: Tablet, projector, interactive whiteboard

Key Vocabulary

Mirroring

Copying someone's movements exactly, like looking in a mirror

Leading

Going first and showing others what movements to do

Following

Copying the movements that someone else is doing

Sequence

A set of movements that go one after another in order

Unison

Doing movements at exactly the same time

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic body awareness and control
Following simple instructions
Working safely in a shared space

Current Skills

Mirroring movements with a partner
Leading and following in dance
Responding to visual stimuli in movement

Next Steps

Creating longer dance sequences
Developing more complex partner work
Adding dynamics and expression to movements

Milestone Indicators

Students can mirror at least 3 different actions with a partner

Students can lead others confidently

Students can identify mirroring in others' performances

Key Teaching Points

Mirroring means moving like a reflection - opposite sides but same timing
Leaders must move slowly enough for partners to copy accurately
Both leading and following are important skills that require focus and cooperation
Jungle-themed movements should be fun but controlled for safety
Positive feedback helps everyone improve and feel confident
Dance sequences work best when both partners contribute ideas
Using counts of 8 helps partners stay together in timing

Common Misconceptions

Mirroring means copying the exact same side (correction: opposite sides like a real mirror)
Leaders should move as fast as possible (correction: slow, clear movements work best)
Only confident dancers can perform well (correction: everyone can succeed with practice and support)
Following is less important than leading (correction: both skills are equally valuable)
Dance has to look perfect (correction: creativity and cooperation are more important than perfection)

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Keep activities short and varied, provide clear boundaries, use positive reinforcement frequently, allow movement breaks

dyspraxia

Break down movements into smaller steps, allow extra practice time, provide physical prompts if needed, celebrate effort over perfection

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules, offer quiet space if overwhelmed, prepare for video content

visual impairment

Use clear verbal descriptions of movements, provide tactile guidance for mirroring, use contrasting coloured equipment

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations, hand signals for start/stop, provide written instruction cards with pictures

physical disability

Adapt movements to seated or supported positions, focus on upper body movements, use adaptive equipment if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Describing movements and dance using descriptive vocabulary, following verbal instructions

Maths

Counting beats for timing, understanding symmetry through mirroring, spatial awareness concepts

Science

Understanding how our bodies move, balance and coordination, cause and effect in movement

PSHE

Working cooperatively with partners, building confidence through performance, giving positive feedback to others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the space to observe all pairs, position centrally for whole-class instruction

Observation Focus

Watch for mirroring accuracy, cooperative partner work, and understanding of leading/following

Intervention Points

Step in if pairs struggle with mirroring concept, if movements become too fast or unsafe, or if cooperation breaks down

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when modelling. Face students for mirroring demonstrations. Use video pausing effectively to highlight key moments.

Verbal Cues

•'Slow motion movements for perfect mirroring!'
•'Leaders, choose movements your partner can copy!'
•'I can see fantastic jungle animals moving together!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 8m x 8m clear space, suitable for pairs to work independently

Surface Check

Clean, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Bean bags/balls stored safely when not in use
•Cones positioned to avoid tripping hazards
•Audio-visual equipment secured and positioned safely

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between pairs during movement
•Slips during dynamic warm-up activity
•Overexcitement leading to unsafe movement choices

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for each pair's working space
•Emphasis on controlled, slow movements during mirroring
•Teacher positioning for maximum visibility of all students
•Progressive building from simple to more complex movements

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all pairs during partner work
•Monitor spacing between groups during warm-up
•Watch for appropriate physical contact during dance

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear pathway to exit maintained