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Lesson 5 - Extending our motifs

Storytelling Through Movement: Explorer Adventures

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Year 2

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Dance

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45 min

Big Question

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

Music Player

Position for clear sound throughout space

Alternative: Phone/tablet with speaker

Themed Music

1 playlist

Test volume levels before lesson

Alternative: Nature sounds, adventure film music

Whiteboards

Visible to all students for vocabulary building

Alternative: Whiteboard, large paper

Cones

8-10

Mark dance area boundaries

Alternative: Bean bags, spots

Key Vocabulary

Motif

A short movement phrase that can be repeated and developed

Canon

When dancers perform the same movement at different times, like a round in music

Flow

Smooth connection between movements without stopping

Characterisation

Using movement and expression to show what character you are

Frozen position

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

Clear characterisation in movement

Smooth transitions between movements

Successful canon performance

Creative interaction between characters

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