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Lesson 1 - Penguin Huddle Movement

Movement Storytelling

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Year 2

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Dance

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use our bodies to create movements that tell the story of penguins huddling together for warmth?

Learning Objectives

Explore whole body actions to create movements as a group and in pairs
Apply the idea of a theme to a dance using penguin imagery
Compose a dance phrase which responds to visual stimulus

Key Outcomes

Students will perform controlled movements inspired by penguin behaviour
Students will create a short dance sequence in pairs
Students will demonstrate understanding of unison and timing in dance

Equipment & Resources Required

Pictures of Penguins Huddling

1 set (5-10 images)

Display where all students can see clearly

Alternative: Video clips of penguins, penguin books

Music Player

Position for clear sound throughout hall

Alternative: Piano, simple percussion

Counting Aid (Tambourine)

Keep within teacher's reach for timing cues

Alternative: Clapping, drum

Key Vocabulary

Huddle

A group of people or animals crowded together for warmth or protection

Unison

Moving at the same time together

Sequence

A series of movements performed one after another

Levels

High, middle, and low positions of the body

Pathway

The route or direction we travel when moving

Control

Moving our body exactly how we want it to move

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic body awareness and control
Understanding of personal space
Experience of moving to simple counts

Current Skills

Creating movements inspired by animals
Working cooperatively in pairs
Performing movements with controlled timing

Next Steps

Developing more complex dance sequences
Using different dynamics in movement
Creating group choreography

Milestone Indicators

Maintains slow, controlled movements for 4 counts

Creates recognisable penguin-like actions

Works effectively with a partner to create sequences

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise slow, controlled movements throughout to maintain penguin character
Use counting structure (1-2-3-4) to develop timing and coordination
Focus on safe partner connections and cooperative work
Connect all movements back to real penguin behaviour for meaningful learning
Encourage creative interpretation within the penguin theme
Build confidence through positive feedback and celebration of effort
Develop group unity through shared huddle experiences

Common Misconceptions

Students may think penguins move quickly - emphasise slow, deliberate movements
Some may not understand huddle concept - explain warmth sharing clearly
Partners may compete rather than cooperate - stress working together
May rush through counts - reinforce slow timing with clear demonstration
Could focus on individual work - emphasise group and pair collaboration

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular movement breaks built in, clear boundaries for partner work, frequent positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Simplified movement sequences, extra demonstration time, partner support for coordination

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet huddle space if needed, predictable routine structure

visual impairment

Use clear verbal descriptions of penguin movements, tactile guidance for partner positions, audio cues for timing

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all movements, visual counting cues, vibration for rhythm if available

physical disability

Seated penguin movements, upper body huddle formations, adapted partner connections

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Descriptive vocabulary for movement, following and giving instructions, performance communication

Maths

Counting in fours, timing and rhythm, creating patterns and sequences

Science

Animal behaviour and adaptation - why animals huddle for warmth, Antarctic environment

Art

Observational skills when looking at penguin images, creating visual representations of movement

Geography

Antarctica and polar regions - where penguins live, climate and environment

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at edge of activity area with clear sightlines to all students, move around during partner work

Observation Focus

Watch for controlled movements, safe partner interactions, and engagement with penguin theme

Intervention Points

Step in if students moving too quickly, partners not cooperating, or unsafe physical contact

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Exaggerate slow movements for clarity, show safe partner connections, model penguin characteristics clearly

Verbal Cues

•'Slow penguin movements!'
•'Count together: 1, 2, 3, 4!'
•'Stay close like real penguins!'
•'Help your penguin partner!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 8m x 12m clear space, suitable for 30 students moving simultaneously

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Penguin pictures securely displayed to avoid falling
•Music system positioned safely away from movement area
•No loose equipment in movement space

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during group huddle formations
•Slips during slow movements and crouching
•Loss of balance during partner work

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing guidelines for huddle formation
•Emphasis on slow, controlled movements throughout
•Safe partner connection techniques demonstrated
•Adequate supervision during partner work

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position with clear view of all students during huddle formation
•Monitor partner work for safe physical connections
•Watch for students struggling with balance during crouching sequences

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if any student shows discomfort, appropriate first aid for any minor injuries