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Lesson 4 - Extending Partner Sequences as Explorer Characters

Storytelling Through Movement: Explorer Adventures

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Year 2

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Dance

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54 min

Big Question

How can we work together to create exciting character stories through dance?

Learning Objectives

To extend movement sequences with a partner using explorer and jungle animal characters
To develop character relationships and emotions through dance
To perform movements with control, flow and expression

Key Outcomes

Students will create and perform partner sequences showing explorer and jungle animal characters
Students will demonstrate character relationships through coordinated movements
Students will show creativity and expression in their character performances

Equipment & Resources Required

Music Player

1 playlist (15-20 minutes)

Position centrally for clear sound throughout space

Alternative: Tablet with built-in speaker, CD player

Markers Cones

8-10

Mark boundaries and partner working areas

Alternative: Spots, hoops, masking tape

Cards

Set of 7 cards

Explorer and jungle animal images for inspiration

Alternative: Whiteboard drawings, tablet images

Key Vocabulary

Sequence

A series of movements linked together in order

Character

Acting as a particular person, animal or creature through movement

Unison

Moving at exactly the same time as your partner

Canon

One partner starts the movement, then the other follows

Expression

Using your face and body to show feelings and emotions

Flow

Moving smoothly from one movement to the next without stopping

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Individual character movements from previous lessons
Basic animal movements from The Zoo unit
Understanding of different levels and speeds

Current Skills

Partner work and cooperation
Extending sequences with additional movements
Character relationships and interactions

Next Steps

Performing complete explorer stories
Adding music interpretation
Creating group narratives

Milestone Indicators

Maintains character throughout sequence

Shows clear relationship with partner

Demonstrates flow between movements

Key Teaching Points

Character authenticity is more important than complex movements
Partner cooperation and turn-taking essential throughout
Flow between movements creates story continuity
Expression through face and whole body brings characters to life
Unison requires watching and coordinating with partner
Canon creates interesting visual effects and requires timing skills
Every student can succeed through their own interpretation of character

Common Misconceptions

Thinking bigger movements are always better - teach control and clarity
Believing only 'scary' animals are interesting - encourage variety in animal choices
Assuming explorers must be fearless - show range of emotions and reactions
Thinking unison means everyone doing exactly the same - allow for individual interpretation within timing
Believing dance must be 'pretty' - emphasise character authenticity over traditional dance aesthetics

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular movement breaks, clear boundaries, partner accountability, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, partner support for coordination, visual demonstrations

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual sequence cards, predictable partner pairings, calm reflection time

visual impairment

Clear verbal descriptions of all movements, partner guidance system, textured markers for boundaries

hearing impairment

Visual cues for music changes, demonstrated instructions, vibration signals for tempo

physical disability

Seated character work, modified animal movements, upper body focus, adapted partner roles

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Character development, storytelling, descriptive vocabulary, speaking and listening

Science

Animal characteristics, adaptation to environments, human response to stimuli

Art

Character expression, creative interpretation, visual storytelling

Geography

Jungle environments, animal habitats, exploration and discovery

Music

Responding to rhythm and tempo, expressing character through movement to music

PSHE

Partnership skills, cooperation, turn-taking, positive communication, empathy

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position with clear sightlines to all working pairs

Observation Focus

Partner cooperation, character authenticity, movement quality and safety

Intervention Points

Step in if partnerships struggle, movements become unsafe, or students disengage

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated character work for visibility, demonstrate with confident student pairs

Verbal Cues

•'Show me your character!'
•'Work together like a team!'
•'Make it flow smoothly!'
•'Big, clear movements!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 10m clear space for partner work and whole-class movement

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface suitable for dance movement

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Music volume appropriate for space and hearing protection
•Visual prompt cards laminated with no sharp edges
•Space markers secured and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Partner collisions during unison/canon work
•Over-energetic animal movements
•Slips during character transitions

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries between working pairs
•Controlled movement instruction throughout
•Regular reminders about safe space awareness
•Progressive build-up of energy levels

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all pairs simultaneously
•Monitor space usage during travelling sections
•Watch for appropriate partner interactions
•Ensure inclusive participation for all abilities

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, clear pathways to exits, first aid kit accessible