Lesson 5 - Story Dance Structure
Jungle Book Dance Adventure
•Year 1
•Dance
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How can we use our bodies to tell a story through dance, just like in The Jungle Book?
Learning Objectives
- To compose a short dance sequence that shows sensitivity to the theme of friendship and separation
- To demonstrate greater control, coordination and spatial awareness in movement patterns
- To create a dance with a clear beginning, middle and end structure
Key Outcomes
- Students will create and perform a partner dance showing Mowgli's journey
- Students will demonstrate improved spatial awareness and movement control
- Students will understand and apply the three-part structure of dance composition
Equipment & Resources Required
Position centrally for clear audio throughout space
Alternative: Tablet or phone with speaker
Pre-loaded and tested before lesson
Alternative: Similar themed instrumental music
Used to mark individual dance spaces for pairs
Alternative: Spot markers, bean bags, or tape lines
For displaying dance structure prompts
Alternative: Flip chart paper and pens
Key Vocabulary
A series of movements performed one after another in a specific order
The main idea or story that the dance is trying to show
How a dance is organised with a beginning, middle and end
Acting like the character you are representing through your movements
Knowing where you are in the space and being aware of others around you
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic movement patterns and locomotion
- Following simple instructions and commands
- Working safely in a shared space
- Basic understanding of counting and rhythm
Current Skills
- Creating structured dance sequences with beginning, middle and end
- Using movement to express themes and emotions
- Working collaboratively with a partner in dance
- Demonstrating spatial awareness and control
Next Steps
- Developing more complex dance narratives
- Using different levels and pathways in dance
- Creating group dances with multiple characters
- Adding props and costumes to enhance storytelling
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise that every dance needs a clear beginning, middle and end structure
- Connect movement choices to the emotional theme of friendship and separation
- Demonstrate the importance of holding start and end positions for performance clarity
- Encourage creative interpretation while maintaining story connection
- Foster positive partnership working and mutual support
- Build performance confidence through practice and encouragement
- Maintain spatial awareness and safety throughout all movement activities
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking dance is just about moving to music without purpose or structure
- Believing that movements don't need to connect to the story or theme
- Assuming that holding still positions isn't important in dance
- Thinking that only 'good dancers' can create meaningful movement sequences
- Believing that dance performances don't need an audience or performance quality
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide movement breaks, use clear boundaries and frequent positive reinforcement
dyspraxia
- Allow extra practice time, provide step-by-step movement breakdowns, use mirroring support from partner or teacher
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure visual schedule, offer quiet space if needed, use consistent routine and predictable timing throughout lesson
visual impairment
- Use clear verbal descriptions of positions and movements, provide tactile guidance for space boundaries, ensure partner provides additional spatial support
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations and gestures, provide written structure prompts on board, ensure clear sight lines for lip reading and visual cues
physical disability
- Adapt movements to suit individual capabilities, allow seated or modified positions, focus on upper body expression if needed
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Story structure and narrative understanding, character development and emotions, vocabulary development through movement themes
Maths
Counting in 8s and timing sequences, understanding of 3-second duration, spatial concepts of close/far and positioning
Music
Responding to rhythm and mood in music, understanding how music supports storytelling and emotional expression
PSHE
Working cooperatively in partnerships, expressing emotions appropriately, building confidence through performance
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the space to observe all pairs, position centrally during whole-class instruction
Observation Focus
Watch for creative expression, partnership cooperation, structural understanding, and safe movement
Intervention Points
Step in when pairs struggle with cooperation, need creative suggestions, or safety concerns arise
Demonstration Notes
Use student volunteers to demonstrate key concepts; show clear examples of positions and timing; model positive partnership working
Verbal Cues
- •'Show me your friendship in your start position!'
- •'Make your movements big and clear so we can see the story!'
- •'Hold that position - let the audience see it!'
- •'Remember your space - stay inside your cones!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall or studio space, minimum 8m x 12m, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Clean, non-slip surface suitable for dance movement and partner work
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Cones checked for cracks or sharp edges before distribution
- •Music equipment positioned safely away from movement areas
- •Adequate spacing between dance areas to prevent collisions
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between pairs during enthusiastic movement
- •Trips over cone markers during dance sequences
- •Overexertion during warm-up or practice phases
- •Partnership conflicts affecting emotional safety
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for each pair's dance space
- •Regular reminders about spatial awareness and control
- •Teacher circulation to monitor safety and provide support
- •Emphasis on controlled movement rather than wild actions
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all dance spaces during practice
- •Monitor partnership dynamics and intervene if needed
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
- •Ensure inclusive participation and positive atmosphere
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support as needed