Lesson 4 - Mirroring and Following Movements
Jungle Book Dance Adventure
•Year 1
•Dance
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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
Place in baskets at each end of the hall for Coconut Rush activity
Alternative: Any soft throwing objects, rolled up socks
Create a centre dividing line across the width of the hall
Alternative: Chalk lines, tape on floor
Pre-load 'I Wanna Be Like You' from The Jungle Book movie
Alternative: Tablet with speakers, portable speaker
Position where all students can clearly see the video clip
Alternative: Tablet, projector, interactive whiteboard
Key Vocabulary
Copying someone's movements exactly, like looking in a mirror
Going first and showing others what movements to do
Copying the movements that someone else is doing
A set of movements that go one after another in order
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
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