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Lesson 6 - Pathways & Formation Transitions

Feelings to Formations

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Year 2

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Dance

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45 min

Big Question

How can we create exciting visual patterns by moving in different directions while staying in time with the music?

Learning Objectives

Explore and use different movement pathways within dance formations
Demonstrate smooth transitions from small group formations to whole class performance
Maintain timing and coordination when performing as part of a large group

Key Outcomes

Students will perform dance motifs while moving along varied pathways
Students will successfully transition between formation types during freestyle sections
Students will demonstrate improved timing and spatial awareness in group performances

Equipment & Resources Required

Tunnel Systems

Position centrally for clear sound throughout the space

Alternative: Portable speaker, tablet with music app

Dish Cones

8-12

Place at ends of rows to guide positioning

Alternative: Spot markers, bean bags, hoops

Dance Music

1 playlist

Ensure music is familiar from previous lessons

Alternative: Any rhythmic music with clear 4/4 beat

Key Vocabulary

Pathway

The route or direction your body travels through space when dancing

Formation

The arrangement or pattern that dancers make when positioned together

Transition

Moving smoothly from one position, formation, or movement to another

Unison

When all dancers perform the same movement at exactly the same time

Freestyle

A section where dancers can choose their own movements within given guidelines

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic dance motifs from previous lessons
Simple formation work in small groups
Understanding of counting beats in music

Current Skills

Movement pathway exploration and variation
Complex formation transitions from small to large groups
Coordination of opposing directional movements

Next Steps

Creating original choreography with varied pathways
Leading formation changes independently
Combining multiple dance elements in performance

Milestone Indicators

Can explain what a movement pathway is

Successfully completes formation transitions in time with music

Shows awareness of others when moving in contrasting directions

Key Teaching Points

Pathway awareness is developed through clear directional language and visual demonstration
Formation transitions require gradual complexity building from simple position changes to creative movement
Contrasting pathways create visual interest - emphasise the 'wow factor' this creates
Timing coordination is essential - use music as the constant reference point
Spatial awareness prevents collisions and creates beautiful visual patterns
Performance quality should be maintained even during complex transitions
Individual responsibility within group coordination is key to success

Common Misconceptions

Children thinking pathways are only about where you end up, not how you travel - emphasise the journey
Students believing faster movement equals better performance - stress control and quality
Assuming everyone should do the same thing - celebrate the beauty of contrasting movements
Thinking formation changes are separate from dancing - emphasise creative, flowing transitions
Students focusing only on their own movement without awareness of others - develop group spatial consciousness

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear, short instructions repeated frequently, movement-based learning suits kinesthetic needs, regular position and focus checks, positive reinforcement for following patterns

dyspraxia

Simplified pathway patterns initially, extra practice time for formation transitions, visual cues for direction (coloured arrows), step-by-step breakdown of complex movements

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson sections, consistent formation positions, quiet space available if overwhelmed, predictable routine with preparation for changes

visual impairment

Use bright cone markers, clear verbal directional cues, buddy system for formation guidance, tactile markers for position reference

hearing impairment

Visual cues and hand signals for directions, vibrating music platform if available, clear demonstrations of all movements

physical disability

Adapted pathways suitable for wheelchairs/walking aids, modified directional movements (arm patterns instead of stepping), inclusive formation arrangements

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following complex multi-step instructions, vocabulary development (pathway, formation, transition), descriptive language for movement

Art

Understanding visual patterns and contrasts, composition and arrangement, creative expression through movement

Geography

Directional awareness, mapping pathways and routes, understanding of position and location concepts

Music

Beat counting and rhythm awareness, timing and tempo, listening skills and musical phrasing

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, supporting others, building confidence, celebrating collective achievement

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position with clear view of all three rows, move to side during performances for optimal observation

Observation Focus

Watch for spatial awareness, timing coordination, and creative movement quality during transitions

Intervention Points

Step in if formations become unsafe, provide additional direction cues if students lose their pattern

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when showing directional patterns, involve students in demonstrations to check understanding

Verbal Cues

•'Remember your row's pattern!'
•'Think about your pathway choice!'
•'Smooth, dance-like movement to positions!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 10m clear space for multiple rows and group formations

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface suitable for energetic movement and direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Cone markers stable and low profile to prevent tripping
•Music system positioned safely away from movement area

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during formation transitions
•Falls during directional changes
•Overcrowding in row formations

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and pathways established before movement begins
•Gradual building of complexity to develop spatial awareness
•Adequate spacing between rows and groups maintained throughout
•Controlled movement speed emphasised over rushing to positions

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all rows during contrasting pathways
•Monitor transition areas for safe movement flow

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, clear pathways to exits maintained, first aid knowledge of common dance injuries