This unit develops students' ability to translate ideas, images and words into expressive dance movements. Through a progressive journey from animal exploration to partner choreography, students learn that dance is a powerful language for storytelling and self-expression. The emphasis on creativity, interpretation and collaboration makes this an engaging introduction to choreographic thinking for Year 2.

Lessons in This Unit

6 lessons in this unit

Lesson 1

Animal Movement Exploration
45 min

Big Question:

How can we use our bodies to tell stories about animals through movement and dance?

Key Objectives:

  • • To move safely and creatively in space using animal-inspired movements
  • • To use mind map words to create different types of travel showing good timing and use of levels

Lesson 2

Creative Movement and Choreography
45 min

Big Question:

How can we use words and ideas to create expressive dance movements that tell a story?

Key Objectives:

  • • To develop creative ideas using words from a mind map as stimulus for movement
  • • To focus on timing and performing movements in unison

Lesson 3

Travelling with Levels and Pathways
59 min

Big Question:

How can we use different levels and pathways to make our travelling movements more exciting and creative?

Key Objectives:

  • • To creatively turn actions from our motif into travelling movements
  • • To show use of different levels when travelling

Lesson 4

Poetry-Inspired Partner Dance
45 min

Big Question:

How can words from a poem come alive through movement and dance?

Key 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

Lesson 5

Creative Pairs Dance from Pictures
45 min

Big Question:

How can we use pictures to inspire creative dance movements and work effectively with a partner?

Key Objectives:

  • • To work well in pairs showing good cooperation skills and give useful peer feedback
  • • To use pictures as stimulus for creative and imaginative dance actions

Lesson 6

Performance and Evaluation
45 min

Big Question:

How can we use feedback to create a brilliant dance performance that shows our best skills?

Key Objectives:

  • • To understand what makes a good dance performance
  • • To give useful, constructive feedback using dance vocabulary