Lesson 1 - Vikings Theme Motif Development
Viking Tales in Movement
•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 movement to tell the story of Viking warriors and their adventures?
Learning Objectives
- To explore and discuss Viking-themed vocabulary through movement
- To create and perform actions that represent Viking concepts with good timing and control
- To develop a collaborative 32-48 count Viking motif using improvisation and choreography
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate agility, balance, coordination and precision in Viking-themed movements
- Students will translate words and ideas into creative dance actions
- Students will contribute effectively to group choreography and mind mapping activities
Equipment & Resources Required
Positioned where all students can see for mind mapping activity
Alternative: Large paper sheets, interactive whiteboard
Ready for teacher to create mind map with class
Alternative: Chalk, whiteboard pens
Test volume levels before lesson, have pause/play easily accessible
Alternative: Tablet with portable speaker, computer with speakers
Suggested: 'Northmen' and 'Vikings Attack' from Viking soundtracks
Alternative: Any dramatic, rhythmic instrumental music
Mark boundaries of dance space if needed
Alternative: Spots, bean bags
Key Vocabulary
A short movement phrase that can be repeated and developed
The art of creating and arranging dance movements
How movements are performed - strong, gentle, sharp, smooth
Stretching body parts to their full length for clear, strong shapes
Moving in time with the music and with other dancers
A diagram showing words and ideas connected to a central theme
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic body awareness and spatial understanding
- Following simple movement patterns to music
- Understanding of freeze and go activities
Current Skills
- Creating themed movements from vocabulary
- Performing choreographed sequences with counts
- Working collaboratively to develop group motifs
Next Steps
- Developing longer dance sequences with multiple themes
- Advanced choreographic techniques and formations
- Creating and teaching movement to others
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Model Viking character and energy throughout - students will match your enthusiasm
- Use dance vocabulary consistently to build students' understanding and ability to give feedback
- Balance individual creativity with group coordination - both are important
- Connect all movements back to Viking theme to maintain engagement and purpose
- Provide specific, positive feedback that students can act upon
- Ensure equal participation in performance opportunities and feedback giving
- Build from simple actions to complex sequences gradually
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think Viking movements must be violent - emphasise strength, control and character instead
- Some may believe only 'good dancers' can create movements - reassure that creativity matters more than technical skill
- Students might think feedback should focus on mistakes - teach positive, constructive observation skills
- May assume all Vikings movements are the same - encourage variety and personal interpretation
- Some think performing means being perfect - emphasise effort, character and improvement over perfection
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, use movement as positive outlet for energy
dyspraxia
- Simplify movement sequences, provide extra practice time, use verbal cues alongside demonstrations
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, visual schedule if helpful, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
- Use clear verbal descriptions of movements, provide physical guidance for complex actions, ensure good contrast on whiteboard
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, written instructions on board, visual signals for start/stop
physical disability
- Adapt movements for seated or supported positions, focus on upper body or achievable movements, ensure wheelchair access
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development, descriptive language, storytelling through movement
Art
Visual representation of themes, understanding how ideas can be expressed through different media
History
Vikings topic - lifestyle, culture, exploration, and historical significance
Music
Understanding rhythm, timing, and responding to different musical styles
PSHE
Teamwork, giving and receiving feedback constructively, building confidence in performance
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around space during activities to observe all students, return to central position for demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for creativity in movement interpretation, group cooperation, and safe movement choices
Intervention Points
Step in if movements become unsafe, if students are off-task, or if feedback becomes negative
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate movements with full commitment to Viking character - students will mirror your energy and engagement level
Verbal Cues
- •'Strong Viking warriors!'
- •'Remember your Viking character!'
- •'Show me proud, controlled movements!'
- •'Think about your timing with the group!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 8m x 8m clear space, additional seating area for mind mapping
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from obstacles, adequate ventilation for physical activity
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Music volume at appropriate level to hear instructions
- •Marker pens have caps replaced immediately
- •Whiteboard securely positioned
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during free movement phases
- •Trips or falls during galloping movements
- •Overexertion during energetic Viking actions
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for movement space
- •Adequate personal space maintained throughout
- •Progressive build-up from simple to complex movements
- •Regular checks on student wellbeing during activity
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all students during movement phases
- •Monitor energy levels and provide breaks as needed
- •Watch for unsafe interpretations of Viking themes
Emergency Procedures
Standard school procedures for injuries, first aid kit accessible, clear route to main office