Lesson 1 - Egyptian Theme Movement Exploration
Choreography & Movement Storytelling
•Year 3
•Dance
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we use our bodies to tell stories from ancient Egypt?
Learning Objectives
- To explore theme-related vocabulary through creative movement
- To develop motifs demonstrating agility, balance, coordination and precision
- To create and perform a short Egyptian-themed dance sequence
Key Outcomes
- Students will create theme-related movements showing good timing and control
- Students will contribute ideas to a mind map and translate words into actions
- Students will perform a 32-48 count Egyptian motif with improved technique
Equipment & Resources Required
Position for clear sound across whole space
Alternative: Tablet/phone with speaker
Visible to all students when seated in listening area
Alternative: Large paper sheets
Different colours for mind map creation
Alternative: Chalk for blackboard
Walk Like an Egyptian (Bangles), Egyptian Reggae suggested
Alternative: Any rhythmic world music
Key Vocabulary
A short movement phrase that can be repeated and developed
Stretching body parts to their full length for better line and control
How we perform movements - fast/slow, strong/gentle, sharp/smooth
Keeping steady and controlled when moving or holding positions
Moving in time with the music beat and with others
Making up movements spontaneously without planning
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic locomotor movements (walking, marching)
- Simple copying of teacher-led actions
- Understanding of personal and general space
Current Skills
- Theme-based creative movement
- Motif development and memorisation
- Performance skills with timing and control
Next Steps
- Extended dance sequences with transitions
- Partner and group choreography
- Dance appreciation and evaluation skills
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Connect all movements to Egyptian theme for meaningful context
- Build sequence gradually in manageable chunks
- Emphasise quality of movement over speed or complexity
- Use clear counts and rhythmic patterns for timing development
- Create supportive performance environment for confidence building
- Develop dance vocabulary through practical application
- Balance individual creativity with group cohesion
Common Misconceptions
- Dance is only about entertainment - explain how dance tells stories and communicates ideas
- Boys don't dance - show Egyptian warriors and pharaohs as strong, proud dancers
- You need natural talent - emphasise that all movements can be improved with practice
- Perfect technique required - focus on expression and effort over technical perfection
- Egyptian theme is only about pyramids - explore broader cultural movements and ideas
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent movement opportunities, clear boundaries and expectations, positive reinforcement for focus, shorter instruction segments
dyspraxia
- Simplified sequences, additional practice time, visual and verbal cues combined, celebration of individual progress
autism spectrum
- Clear structure and routine, visual sequence cards, quiet space available if overwhelmed, advance warning of activity changes
visual impairment
- Clear verbal descriptions of all movements, partner support for spatial awareness, tactile guidance for positions
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations with exaggerated movements, visual cues for music starts/stops, written sequence cards
physical disability
- Seated versions of all actions, upper body focus alternatives, adapted motif using available movement range
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development, creative expression, listening and speaking skills through discussion and feedback
Maths
Counting beats and sequences, understanding patterns and structure, spatial awareness concepts
Art
Understanding body shapes and lines, exploring expression and interpretation of themes visually
Geography
Learning about Egyptian landscape, climate and how environment influences culture and movement
History
Learning about ancient Egyptian civilisation, daily life, and cultural practices through embodied experience
PSHE
Building confidence through performance, developing respect for others, collaborative working skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter during free movement, centre-front for demonstrations, among students during floor work
Observation Focus
Watch for spatial awareness, controlled movements, engagement with theme, peer interactions
Intervention Points
Step in if unsafe movement, provide support for memory difficulties, redirect off-task behaviour
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate actions while giving instructions, exaggerate key positions for clarity, maintain Egyptian character throughout demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Find your own space with arms stretched out wide'
- •'Freeze like a statue when the music stops'
- •'Show me strong, proud pharaoh posture'
- •'Let's count together: 1, 2, 3, 4'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 8m x 8m clear space, suitable for floor work including lying down and rolling
Surface Check
Clean, dry floor surface free from debris, suitable for floor contact
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Music volume appropriate for instruction hearing
- •Secure placement of music equipment away from movement area
- •Whiteboard/flipchart stable and positioned safely
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during free movement sections
- •Falls during balance positions or transitions
- •Overexertion during energetic warm-up
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear personal space boundaries established and maintained
- •Controlled pace during floor work and transitions
- •Regular safety reminders about spatial awareness
- •Gradual warm-up progression to prevent injury
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility during scattered movement
- •Move around space during floor work to support individuals
- •Monitor energy levels and provide rest opportunities
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, contact school office if required