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Lesson 5 - Actions Inspired by Rainforest

Space to Synchronisation

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Year 2

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Dance

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Big Question

How can we use our bodies to tell the story of a rainforest through movement and rhythm?

Learning Objectives

To create actions in response to a stimulus
To use different speeds and directions in movement
To copy and repeat dance phrases with accuracy

Key Outcomes

Students will perform controlled body actions representing rainforest elements
Students will demonstrate understanding of tempo changes in dance
Students will accurately copy and perform set dance phrases

Equipment & Resources Required

Track

1 audio system

Test audio levels before lesson, have backup speakers ready

Alternative: Nature sounds playlist, jungle sound effects

Science Videos

1 display screen/projector

Position screen where all students can see clearly

Alternative: Printed movement cards, teacher demonstration

Beats Audio

1 audio system

Separate track ready for warm-up section

Alternative: Rhythmic backing track, percussion instruments

Key Vocabulary

Stimulus

Something that inspires or triggers a movement response

Extending

Stretching body parts outward or upward to create shape

Canon

When dancers perform the same movements at different times

Unison

When all dancers perform movements at exactly the same time

Counts

The beats used to keep time in dance, usually counted in groups of 8

Phrase

A sequence of movements that fit together like a sentence

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic travelling movements like walking and skipping
Understanding of high, medium, and low body levels
Simple copying of teacher movements

Current Skills

Creating actions in response to stimuli
Using different speeds and directions deliberately
Copying and remembering longer movement sequences

Next Steps

Creating own dance phrases with clear structure
Working collaboratively to create group dances
Using dynamics and expression in dance performance

Milestone Indicators

Smooth transitions between slow and fast movements

Clear directional changes in jumping patterns

Accurate repetition of 8-count phrases

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise safe landing technique with bent knees throughout all jumping activities
Use counting aloud to help students maintain timing and stay together during sequences
Connect all movements to rainforest imagery to enhance understanding and engagement
Encourage personal creativity within the structured framework of the dance
Maintain clear spatial awareness and personal space throughout lesson
Build confidence through positive reinforcement and celebrating all efforts
Ensure smooth transitions between sections to maintain flow of complete dance

Common Misconceptions

Students may think faster always means better - emphasise control over speed
Some may believe extensions should be forced - teach gradual, comfortable reaching
Students might rush through counts - reinforce that timing is more important than finishing first
May assume all jumps should be high - focus on control and direction rather than height
Could think performance means perfect - celebrate effort and expression over perfection

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide movement breaks between sections, use clear visual and verbal boundaries

dyspraxia

Simplify sequences to shorter phrases, provide additional practice time, allow modified versions of complex movements

autism spectrum

Provide visual sequence cards, allow practice time before performance, create quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of all movements, provide tactile guidance for positions, ensure audio cues are clear and consistent

hearing impairment

Demonstrate all movements clearly, use visual counting with fingers, provide written sequence cards with pictures

physical disability

Adapt jumping to stepping or reaching movements, allow seated versions of extensions, modify according to individual mobility

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development with new terms like extending and stimulus, descriptive language for movement qualities

Science

Plant growth and life cycles, weather patterns and rainfall, habitats and ecosystems in rainforests

Geography

Location of world's rainforests, climate patterns in tropical regions, environmental awareness

Mathematics

Counting in 8s and 4s for timing, directional language (forwards, backwards, sideways), pattern recognition in sequences

PSHE

Confidence building through performance, supporting and encouraging others, teamwork during group activities

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during demonstrations, circulate during individual work, corner position for performance observation

Observation Focus

Monitor landing technique in jumping, check timing accuracy in sequences, watch for spatial awareness

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with sequence memory, correct unsafe landing technique immediately, support students who lack confidence

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate with clear, slow movements during teaching phase, exaggerate key techniques like bent-knee landings, use facial expressions to enhance storytelling through movement

Verbal Cues

•'Soft landings with bent knees!'
•'Count with me - 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8'
•'Find your own space, arms wide apart'
•'Slow and controlled like real plants growing'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor space minimum 8m x 8m, clear of obstacles, suitable for jumping activities

Surface Check

Non-slip floor surface essential for jumping activities, check for any wet areas or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Test audio equipment volume levels appropriate for space
•Ensure electrical cables are safely positioned away from movement area
•Check any visual displays are securely mounted

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during jumping activities
•Collisions during travelling movements
•Overstretching during extension work
•Fatigue from extended physical activity

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise bent-knee landing technique throughout
•Establish clear spatial boundaries and personal space rules
•Demonstrate safe extension limits
•Monitor students for signs of fatigue, provide rest breaks as needed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all students during jumping sections
•Circulate during individual exploration phases
•Monitor technique closely during set phrase learning

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, have emergency contact procedures readily available