🎵

Lesson 2 - Developing Explorer Motifs with Expression and Emotion

Storytelling Through Movement: Explorer Adventures

•

Year 2

•

Dance

•

45 min

Big Question

How can we move like champion dancers to tell the story of our explorer's journey?

Learning Objectives

To develop character work by adding movements, expression and emotion to explorer motifs
To create frozen positions showing emotional reactions to discoveries
To combine 2-3 movements that represent travelling and exploring

Key Outcomes

Students will create a sequence of explorer movements with clear expression
Students will demonstrate emotional reactions through frozen positions
Students will perform their complete motif with control and creativity

Equipment & Resources Required

Music Player

Position for clear sound throughout hall

Alternative: Tablet with Bluetooth speaker, phone with portable speaker

Themed Music

Playlist ready

Test volume levels, have pause/play easily accessible

Alternative: Adventure movie soundtracks, world music, nature sounds

Visual Aids

2 large boards

Board 1: Discoveries (treasure, cave, waterfall), Board 2: Emotions (excited, scared, curious)

Alternative: Whiteboard, flip chart paper, laminated cards

Scarves

1 per student

Only if enhancing expression work, distributed at activity start

Alternative: Lightweight fabric pieces, streamers

Key Vocabulary

Motif

A short sequence of movements that can be repeated and developed

Expression

Showing feelings and emotions through face and body movements

Frozen position

A still statue-like pose that shows an emotion or reaction

Character

Moving as if you are a specific person or role

Flow

Moving smoothly from one action to another without stopping

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic body awareness and control
Simple travelling movements
Understanding of high and low levels

Current Skills

Character movement development
Emotional expression through dance
Combining movements into motifs

Next Steps

Partner work and mirroring
Creating longer dance sequences
Responding to different musical styles

Milestone Indicators

Clear facial expressions matching emotions

Smooth transitions between movements

Sustained character throughout performance

Key Teaching Points

Expression involves the whole body, not just the face
Champion dancers commit fully to their character throughout the performance
Motifs have clear structure: travel sequence plus discovery moment
Frozen positions should be stable and emotionally clear
Flow between movements makes the dance more beautiful and believable
Every explorer's journey can be different and creative
Emotional expression should match the type of discovery made

Common Misconceptions

Expression is only about facial expressions - teach whole body involvement
All explorers must move the same way - encourage individual interpretation
Frozen positions don't need to be stable - emphasise balance and sustainability
Louder or bigger movements are always better - teach about appropriate expression levels
The discovery must be exciting - explain that curious or mysterious discoveries are equally valid
Boys can't be expressive dancers - model inclusive attitudes and celebrate all achievements

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity segments, provide clear boundaries, offer fidget tools during reflection, allow movement breaks

dyspraxia

Simplify movement sequences, provide extra demonstration time, offer physical support if needed, celebrate effort over precision

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, use visual timetable, allow processing time, offer quiet space if needed

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of emotions, provide tactile word boards, use buddy system for movement guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual emotion cards, provide clear demonstrations, use hand signals for timing cues

physical disability

Adapt movements to wheelchair or seated positions, modify frozen positions, focus on upper body expression

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development, descriptive language for emotions and discoveries, storytelling structure

Art

Visual expression of emotions, creating frozen tableaux, understanding character through visual arts

Geography

Exploration themes, different terrains and environments, mapping and discovery

PSHE

Emotional literacy, identifying and expressing feelings, building confidence in performance

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the outside of the space for best visibility, position near music controls when needed

Observation Focus

Look for sustained character, appropriate emotional expression, controlled movement quality

Intervention Points

Step in if students losing focus, not maintaining character, or moving unsafely

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate with full commitment to character, exaggerate key teaching points, model appropriate expression

Verbal Cues

•'Stay in character!'
•'Show me with your whole body!'
•'Control your explorer movements!'
•'Let your face show the emotion too!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 8m x 8m clear space, preferably school hall or large classroom

Surface Check

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

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Music player positioned safely away from movement area
•Word boards secured and positioned where all can see
•Any optional props (scarves) distributed safely

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during travelling movements
•Loss of balance in frozen positions
•Overexertion during energetic movements

Risk Mitigation

•Clear movement boundaries established
•Adequate spacing maintained between students
•Progressive building from simple to complex movements
•Regular reminders about controlled movement

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Monitor low level movements for safe technique
•Watch for appropriate emotional expression without overacting

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, standard first aid procedures apply, have contact details readily available