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Lesson 4 - Partner Choreography and Creative Expression

Mini Beast Adventures Through Creative Movement

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Year 1

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Dance

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45 min

Big Question

How can we work together with a partner to turn poems into exciting dance movements?

Learning Objectives

To work effectively in pairs showing good cooperation skills and give useful peer feedback
To use poetry as stimulus for creative and imaginative dance actions
To demonstrate use of level, direction and unison when creating and performing pairs sections

Key Outcomes

Students will communicate effectively with a partner to create dance movements
Students will use pictures and poems to inspire shapes, movements and actions
Students will create the first 8-16 counts of a pairs dance phrase for performance

Equipment & Resources Required

Tunnel Systems

Position for clear sound throughout dance space

Alternative: Portable speaker with tablet/phone

Cards

1 per pair (15 copies)

Place one card in each corner of the room at student eye level

Alternative: Laminated pictures or simple word cards

Music Tracks

3 specific tracks

Cue up: 'Ugly Bug Ball', 'Circus Bugs', 'The Time of Your Life'

Alternative: Similar tempo instrumental music for dance

Key Vocabulary

Partner

Someone you work with to create dance movements together

Mirror

Copying exactly what your partner does at the same time

Unison

Moving at exactly the same time as your partner

Levels

High, medium and low positions our body can make

Choreography

Planning and creating a sequence of dance movements

Stimulus

Something that gives us ideas for our dance, like a poem or picture

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic dance movements and actions
Understanding of high, medium and low levels
Experience moving to music
Simple partner work skills

Current Skills

Partner communication and cooperation
Creative interpretation of poetry through movement
Coordinated pair choreography
Performance confidence in pairs

Next Steps

Extended choreography sequences
Complex partner interactions
Small group choreography
Performance evaluation skills

Milestone Indicators

Effective verbal and non-verbal communication with partner

Creative movement responses to poetry stimulus

Coordinated timing in pair work

Confident performance presentation

Key Teaching Points

Partner cooperation is as important as individual creativity
Poetry can inspire many different movement interpretations - there's no single 'right' answer
Timing and coordination develop through practice and communication
Creative expression should be celebrated regardless of technical perfection
Use levels and directions to add interest and variety to choreography
Positive feedback helps partners improve together
Performance is about sharing creativity, not competition

Common Misconceptions

There's only one correct way to interpret a poem through movement - encourage multiple creative interpretations
Partners must do identical movements - explain that coordination includes complementary as well as unison work
Louder counting makes better timing - teach that clear, steady counting is more effective
Complex movements are better than simple ones - emphasise that effective execution matters more than complexity
Performance means perfection - focus on sharing creative work and celebrating effort

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular movement breaks, clear structure with visual timers, partner support for focus, immediate positive feedback for cooperation

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, visual and verbal cues combined, peer support for coordination challenges

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson sections, predictable partner arrangements, quiet space available if needed, advance notice of performance expectations

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of movements, tactile guidance for partner positioning, audio cues for timing, bright coloured cards for corner activities

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all movements, sign language for key instructions, vibrations or visual signals for music cues, written poem cards

physical disability

Adapted movements for wheelchair users, modified partner activities for different mobility levels, alternative ways to show levels and directions

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Poetry appreciation, vocabulary development, creative interpretation of literary texts, speaking and listening skills

Science

Understanding body systems, coordination and control, animal movement patterns, observation skills

Art

Creative expression, interpretation of visual and textual stimuli, exploring mood and character through movement

Music

Responding to rhythm and tempo, understanding beat and timing, creative interpretation of musical themes

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, communication skills, building positive relationships, confidence building

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all pairs, position centrally for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Partner communication, creative interpretation, timing coordination, safety awareness

Intervention Points

Step in if partnerships struggling, provide additional support for creative blocks, address safety concerns immediately

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, slow demonstrations for mirroring activities, show enthusiasm for creative interpretation, model positive partnership communication

Verbal Cues

•'Count together with your partner!'
•'What does that word make you think of?'
•'Show me different levels!'
•'Work together to make it even better!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 8m x 8m clear dance space, free from obstacles and with adequate height clearance

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface suitable for dance movement and partner work

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Music volume at appropriate level for instruction
•Corner cards securely positioned and at safe height
•Poem cards free from sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between pairs during movement
•Falls during partner mirroring activities
•Overexertion during energetic sequences

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing guidelines established for pair work
•Progressive movement development from simple to complex
•Regular safety reminders about spatial awareness
•Teacher positioning for maximum supervision

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all pairs simultaneously
•Monitor energy levels and coordination challenges
•Watch for partnership dynamics and cooperation

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, basic first aid knowledge, clear pathway to exit and assistance