Lesson 4 - Extending Partner Sequences as Explorer Characters
Storytelling Through Movement: Explorer Adventures
•Year 2
•Dance
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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
Position centrally for clear sound throughout space
Alternative: Tablet with built-in speaker, CD player
Mark boundaries and partner working areas
Alternative: Spots, hoops, masking tape
Explorer and jungle animal images for inspiration
Alternative: Whiteboard drawings, tablet images
Key Vocabulary
A series of movements linked together in order
Acting as a particular person, animal or creature through movement
Moving at exactly the same time as your partner
One partner starts the movement, then the other follows
Using your face and body to show feelings and emotions
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
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