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Lesson 5 - Big Cat and Zookeeper Motifs

Zoo Animal 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 use movement to show the special relationship between animals and their carers?

Learning Objectives

To create and perform controlled movements representing big cats and zookeepers
To develop motifs that show the relationship between big cats and zookeepers
To move with expression and control in time to music

Key Outcomes

Students will create and perform a big cat motif with 2-3 movements
Students will create and perform a zookeeper motif with caring actions
Students will work in pairs to show the relationship between big cats and zookeepers

Equipment & Resources Required

Music Player

Position for clear sound throughout space

Alternative: Drum for rhythmic accompaniment

Animal-Themed Music Tracks

3-4 tracks

Prepare upbeat and gentle tracks for different characters

Alternative: Classical music with varied tempos

Markers Cones

8-10

Mark clear performance areas for pairs

Alternative: Rope or tape to mark boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Motif

A short sequence of movements that is repeated

Expression

Using your face and body to show feelings and character

Cannon

When movements are performed one after the other, like an echo

Character

The role you are playing through your movements

Relationship

How two characters connect and interact with each other

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic body awareness and control
Simple animal movements
Following rhythm and beat

Current Skills

Creating and repeating motifs
Partner work and relationships
Expression through movement

Next Steps

Complex group choreography
Narrative dance sequences
Performance skills

Milestone Indicators

Controlled, repeated movements

Clear character expression

Responsive partner interaction

Key Teaching Points

Character expression is more important than perfect technique
Movements should be controlled and safe while still being expressive
Partner work focuses on cooperation and respect, not competition
Every student's interpretation of animals and zookeepers is valid
Connect movements to real animal care and conservation
Praise effort and creativity over conformity
Use positive language to build confidence in creative expression

Common Misconceptions

All big cats move the same way - teach about different species and personalities
Zookeepers are controlling animals - emphasise caring and protective relationship
Louder/bigger movements are better - focus on appropriate expression for character
Partner work means copying exactly - encourage individual interpretation within cooperation
Dance has to be pretty - emphasise character authenticity over aesthetics

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent movement breaks, clear boundaries, shorter activity segments with regular check-ins

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, extra demonstration time, peer buddy support for complex sequences

autism spectrum

Clear structure with visual schedule, quiet space available, predictable routine with advance warning of changes

visual impairment

Clear verbal descriptions of movements, tactile guidance for partner work, audio cues for character changes

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, clear hand signals, vibrations or visual cues instead of musical beat

physical disability

Seated or adapted movements, upper body focus for those with limited mobility, wheelchair-accessible partner work

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Descriptive language for movements, storytelling through dance

Maths

Patterns in movement sequences, counting beats and repetitions

Science

Animal behaviour, habitats, and human care of animals

Geography

Zoo locations around the world, animal conservation

PSHE

Caring for others, responsibility, empathy and relationships

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the space to observe all students, positioning at corners for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for character expression, movement control, and positive partner interactions

Intervention Points

Step in if movements become too rough, if students need creative support, or if partner work needs guidance

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated expressions and movements to help students understand character differences clearly

Verbal Cues

•'Show me your big cat eyes!'
•'Gentle caring movements!'
•'How does your character feel?'
•'Watch your partner's movements!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 8m x 8m clear space, ideally larger for partner work

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Music volume at appropriate level for instruction
•Speakers positioned safely away from movement area
•No trailing wires or cables in activity space

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during enthusiastic animal movements
•Overexcitement leading to loss of control
•Inappropriate touching during partner work

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with space markers
•Emphasis on controlled movements throughout
•Clear partner work guidelines about appropriate contact
•Adult supervision of all partner interactions

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all students during movement activities
•Move around space during partner work
•Monitor energy levels and provide calming reminders

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation route