Lesson 5 - Extending our motifs
Storytelling Through Movement: Explorer Adventures
•Year 2
•Dance
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How can we move like champion dancers and bring our explorer and jungle animal characters to life?
Learning Objectives
- To extend dance sequences by developing character movements for explorers and jungle animals
- To bring together sequences exploring the relationship between explorer and wild animal
- To develop characters with drama and emotion in dance performance
Key Outcomes
- Students will create extended movement sequences showing explorer and jungle animal characters
- Students will perform movements in canon with a partner
- Students will demonstrate clear characterisation through movement, facial expressions and stillness
Equipment & Resources Required
Position for clear sound throughout space
Alternative: Phone/tablet with speaker
Test volume levels before lesson
Alternative: Nature sounds, adventure film music
Visible to all students for vocabulary building
Alternative: Whiteboard, large paper
Mark dance area boundaries
Alternative: Bean bags, spots
Key Vocabulary
A short movement phrase that can be repeated and developed
When dancers perform the same movement at different times, like a round in music
Smooth connection between movements without stopping
Using movement and expression to show what character you are
A still shape that shows character or emotion
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic animal movements from previous lessons
- Understanding of jungle animal characteristics
- Simple movement sequences
- Working with a partner
Current Skills
- Extending movement sequences
- Performing in canon
- Character development through movement
- Creating frozen positions
- Linking movements with flow
Next Steps
- Complex choreography with multiple characters
- Advanced canon work
- Group choreography
- Performance to an audience
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Character development through whole-body movement and facial expression
- Canon timing requires careful counting and listening skills
- Flow between movements creates professional-looking sequences
- Feedback should be specific, positive and helpful
- Champion dancers show confidence and commitment to their performance
- Partnership work requires communication and mutual support
- Creative interpretation is more important than perfect technique
Common Misconceptions
- Canon means doing exactly the same movements as partner - clarify it's same sequence at different times
- Frozen positions can move slightly - emphasise complete stillness for dramatic effect
- Only loud, big movements show character - demonstrate how subtle movements can be powerful
- Making mistakes means you're not a champion dancer - reinforce that effort and improvement matter most
- All explorers/animals must move the same way - celebrate individual interpretations
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, partner support
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, broken down instructions, visual cues
autism spectrum
- Clear sequence structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available if needed
visual impairment
- Use verbal descriptions of movements, tactile guidance for positioning, audio cues for timing
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations, hand signals for canon timing, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Seated or supported versions of movements, upper body focus, adapted frozen positions
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development, descriptive language, storytelling through movement
Maths
Counting for canon timing, patterns and sequences, spatial awareness
Science
Animal behaviour and habitats, body movement and coordination
Geography
Jungle environments, exploration and discovery, map reading concepts
PSHE
Cooperation, confidence building, giving and receiving feedback, celebrating achievements
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around space during activities, position centrally for demonstrations
Observation Focus
Character clarity, canon timing, partnership cooperation, engagement levels
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with concept, unsafe movements, or negative interactions
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for clarity, involve confident students as helpers, maintain enthusiasm throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Make it bigger!'
- •'Show me your character!'
- •'Count together!'
- •'Flow from one movement to the next!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 8m x 8m clear dance space per 15 students
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from obstacles and sharp edges
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check music equipment volume levels
- •Ensure cones/markers have no sharp edges
- •Secure any loose cables
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during free movement
- •Overexertion during repeated performances
- •Slips during dynamic movements
- •Emotional overwhelm during performance
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries marked for dance area
- •Adequate spacing between pairs during practice
- •Regular breaks and calm moments
- •Positive, supportive atmosphere for performances
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all students during movement
- •Circulate during pair work to monitor safety
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support