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This unit uses the engaging theme of zoo animals to introduce Year 1 students to fundamental dance concepts through imaginative play and storytelling. Students explore movement quality, control, and expression whilst developing their understanding of how bodies can communicate character and emotion. The zoo context provides familiar, exciting stimulus that naturally encourages creativity whilst building essential physical literacy skills through structured progression from individual exploration to collaborative storytelling.

Lessons in This Unit

6 lessons in this unit

Lesson 1

Creating Big Animal Movements
30 min

Big Question:

How can we use our whole body to move like the biggest animals in the zoo?

Key Objectives:

  • • To respond to the stimulus of big animals using a range of controlled movements
  • • To control and coordinate bodies to perform movements that represent big animals

Lesson 2

Small Animal Movements and Control
45 min

Big Question:

How can we move like champion dancers to show the actions of small zoo animals?

Key Objectives:

  • • To respond to the stimulus of small animals using controlled movements
  • • To develop coordination and control when adding movements together

Lesson 3

Creating Animal Movement Sequences
45 min

Big Question:

How can we become champion animal dancers by creating our own movement patterns?

Key Objectives:

  • • To respond to rhythm using a range of controlled movements
  • • To control and coordinate bodies to perform a motif

Lesson 4

Responding to Rhythm and Partner Work
30 min

Big Question:

How can we move like champion dancers using rhythm and working together?

Key Objectives:

  • • To respond to rhythm using controlled movements representing arctic animals
  • • To control and co-ordinate bodies to perform sequences with a partner

Lesson 5

Big Cat and Zookeeper Motifs
45 min

Big Question:

How can we use movement to show the special relationship between animals and their carers?

Key Objectives:

  • • To create and perform controlled movements representing big cats and zookeepers
  • • To develop motifs that show the relationship between big cats and zookeepers

Lesson 6

Zookeeper and Big Cat Relationships
45 min

Big Question:

How can we tell a story through dance about the special relationship between a zookeeper and a big cat?

Key Objectives:

  • • To explore relationships through movement, creating patterns that show the connection between a zookeeper and a big cat
  • • To create and perform a motif in pairs, demonstrating control and clear actions