Lesson 6 - Formation Work and Roman Soldiers
Machines & Forces Dance
•Year 3
•Dance
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How can we use formations and poses to tell the story of powerful Roman soldiers?
Learning Objectives
- To understand and use formations effectively in dance
- To create poses which relate to the Roman soldier stimulus
- To demonstrate control when moving between formations
Key Outcomes
- Students will create strong, bold poses representing Roman soldiers
- Students will work in formations and transition smoothly between them
- Students will demonstrate unison and canon movements with good timing
Equipment & Resources Required
Position for clear sound throughout hall
Alternative: Portable speaker, tablet with external speaker
Test volume levels before lesson
Alternative: Dramatic classical music, marching music
Have ready on device for stimulus discussion
Alternative: Images of Roman soldiers, Roman formation pictures
Separate track from main Romans music
Alternative: Upbeat contemporary music
For marking formation positions if needed
Alternative: Spots, bean bags
Key Vocabulary
The way people arrange themselves in relation to each other in space
When everyone moves at exactly the same time in the same way
When the same movement is performed by different people at different times
The height at which movements and poses are performed - high, medium, low
How energy is used in movement - strong, gentle, sudden, sustained
The starting point or inspiration for creating a dance
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of levels in dance
- Experience working in small groups
- Ability to follow simple counts
Current Skills
- Creating character-based poses
- Understanding and using formations
- Moving in unison and canon
Next Steps
- Creating narrative dances with clear structure
- Advanced formation work with larger groups
- Choreographing dances independently
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Formations are spatial arrangements that create visual impact and tell stories
- Strong, characterful poses communicate the Roman soldier theme effectively
- Unison movement creates power and unity, while canon creates flow and rhythm
- Timing and counting are essential for successful group work
- Group cooperation and communication are vital for formation changes
- Quality of movement and character maintenance enhance performance impact
- Audience skills and constructive feedback develop appreciation of dance
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking formations are just standing in lines - explain variety of spatial arrangements
- Confusing unison and canon - use clear demonstrations of same time vs different times
- Believing attack movements should be uncontrolled - emphasise controlled, safe movement
- Thinking individual poses don't matter in group work - stress importance of personal contribution
- Assuming faster is better - emphasise quality and control over speed
- Believing some students can't create strong poses - encourage all students to find their own powerful positions
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear movement boundaries, allow for movement breaks, use engaging Roman theme throughout
dyspraxia
- Allow extra time for formation changes, provide additional practice of sequences, use simple formations initially, buddy support for timing
autism spectrum
- Provide visual formation cards, clear structure and routine, quiet space available if needed, predictable timing and sequences
visual impairment
- Use clear verbal descriptions of formations, tactile guidance for positioning, audio cues for timing, buddy system for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstration of all formations, hand signals for timing, written formation cards, ensure students can see demonstrations clearly
physical disability
- Adapt poses for seated positions, modify formation movements for wheelchair users, focus on upper body poses and movements
Cross-Curricular Links
Drama
Character development, performance skills, audience awareness, storytelling through movement
History
Roman Empire, Roman army organisation, military formations and tactics, Roman society and culture
Mathematics
Counting in 8s, spatial arrangements, symmetry in formations, timing and patterns
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, supporting others, building confidence
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the space to observe all groups, position at front for demonstrations, ensure clear sightlines to all students
Observation Focus
Watch for group cooperation, timing accuracy, pose quality, and safe movement between formations
Intervention Points
Step in if formation changes become unsafe, support groups struggling with timing, encourage participation from quieter students
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for formations, demonstrate pose quality with strong, bold positions, show timing clearly for unison and canon
Verbal Cues
- •'Strong poses like Roman warriors!'
- •'Count together: 1, 2, 3, 4!'
- •'Smooth formation changes!'
- •'Show me the power of unison!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor space (school hall or studio), minimum 8m x 10m for groups of 4 to move safely between formations
Surface Check
Clean, non-slip floor suitable for dance movement, check for any hazards or obstacles
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Audio equipment positioned safely away from movement area
- •Ensure volume levels appropriate for instruction
- •Check cables are secured and not trip hazards
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during formation changes
- •Falls during marching or pose transitions
- •Overexcitement during attack movements
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear spacing between groups during practice
- •Controlled movement speeds, especially during formation changes
- •Emphasis on safe, controlled 'attack' movements
- •Clear boundaries and movement areas established
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all groups during formation work
- •Monitor spacing between groups during movement
- •Ensure attack movements remain controlled and safe
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if any safety concerns, established first aid procedures for any injuries, clear evacuation routes maintained