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Lesson 4 - Group Canon & Formation

Cultural Storytelling Dance

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Year 3

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Dance

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45 min

Big Question

How can we work together to transform words into expressive movement?

Learning Objectives

To work collaboratively in groups demonstrating effective cooperation skills
To translate poetry into creative and imaginative dance movements
To incorporate canon and formation changes into group choreography

Key Outcomes

Students will create a 16-32 count group dance sequence using poetic inspiration
Students will demonstrate canon and formation changes within their choreography
Students will show effective teamwork and communication skills throughout the creative process

Equipment & Resources Required

Tunnel Systems

Position for clear sound coverage across hall

Alternative: Bluetooth speaker, tablet with speakers

Poem Copies

1 per group (8 copies)

Pre-divided into verses for group distribution

Alternative: Display on screen, teacher reads aloud

Cones

8-12

Mark group working spaces around the hall

Alternative: Tape marks on floor, hoops

Sun Markers

1 set

Visible to all students for vocabulary display

Alternative: Flip chart, tablet display

Key Vocabulary

Canon

When groups perform the same movement but start at different times, creating a layered effect

Formation

The arrangement or pattern that dancers make in the performance space

Choreography

The art of creating and arranging dance movements into a sequence

Stimulus

Something that inspires or triggers creative movement ideas

Cooperation

Working together effectively by listening, sharing ideas, and supporting each other

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of rhythm and beat
Experience working in pairs for dance
Knowledge of simple dance formations

Current Skills

Translating words into movement
Working in groups of four effectively
Understanding and performing canon
Creating and changing formations

Next Steps

Developing longer choreographic sequences
Advanced canon techniques
Complex formation patterns and transitions

Milestone Indicators

Students create movements that clearly reflect word meanings

Groups demonstrate effective cooperation and communication

Canon is performed with clear timing and coordination

Key Teaching Points

Model positive group interaction and active listening throughout
Emphasise that creative interpretation has no 'wrong' answers
Support canon timing with clear counting and visual cues
Celebrate effort and cooperation over perfect performance
Connect poetry vocabulary to movement vocabulary throughout
Maintain focus on process over product for work-in-progress sharing
Encourage leadership opportunities for different students

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking there's only one 'right' way to interpret a word - emphasise creative diversity
Believing canon means moving at the same time - clarify the staggered timing concept
Thinking formations must be perfectly geometric - allow for creative, organic shapes
Assuming louder or bigger movements are always better - teach about appropriate expression
Believing they can't contribute if they're not 'good at dance' - emphasise everyone's creative potential

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular movement breaks built into activity, clear boundaries and expectations, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for coordination, simplified formations, focus on creative expression over technical precision

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet spaces available if needed

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of movements, tactile guidance for formations, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all instructions, hand signals for timing, written copies of poems

physical disability

Adapted movements for seated participants, modified formations, focus on upper body expression

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Poetry comprehension, vocabulary development, adjectives and adverbs, creative interpretation of text

Maths

Counting in 4s and 8s, timing and rhythm patterns, spatial awareness and formations

Music

Rhythm and beat, tempo and timing, listening skills, canon technique

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, communication skills, leadership development, confidence building

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sightlines to all working groups, move between groups during development phases

Observation Focus

Group cooperation and communication, creative interpretation of words, canon timing and coordination

Intervention Points

["Step in if group dynamics become negative", "Support groups struggling with creative ideas", "Assist with canon timing difficulties"]

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate with clear, exaggerated movements for visibility, use students as examples when appropriate, model positive group interaction

Verbal Cues

•'What does that word make you think of?'
•'How can your body show that feeling?'
•'Remember to listen to everyone's ideas'
•'Count together for canon timing'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 15m, clear of obstacles, suitable flooring for dance

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, even floor free from hazards, adequate space between groups

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check music system volume is appropriate
•Ensure cones/markers are clearly visible
•Verify poem copies are safely stored when not in use

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during formation changes
•Overexertion during enthusiastic movement
•Slips or falls during travelling activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for each group
•Adequate spacing maintained between groups
•Progressive warm-up before vigourous activity
•Emphasis on controlled movement throughout

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all groups simultaneously
•Monitor formation changes for safety
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, clear emergency access route