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Lesson 4 - Partner Sequences with Beach Motifs

Weather Stories Through Creative Movement

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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 create expressive dance sequences that tell the story of a perfect day at the beach?

Learning Objectives

To execute a wider variety of movements in extended sequences with a partner
To create and refine dance motifs using feedback effectively
To develop expression and creativity through movement whilst maintaining unison

Key Outcomes

Students will create a collaborative beach-themed dance sequence with clear start and finish positions
Students will demonstrate improved movement quality through partner feedback
Students will perform movements in unison showing control and expression

Equipment & Resources Required

Music Player

Pre-prepared

Position centrally for clear audio throughout space

Alternative: Tablet/phone with portable speaker

Mats

15 pairs (30 total)

Scattered around room to create partner working spaces

Alternative: Cones, bean bags, or taped areas

Whiteboards

Visible to all students for key vocabulary and success criteria

Alternative: Flip chart or printed visual prompts

Key Vocabulary

Motif

A short sequence of movements that forms the main theme of a dance

Unison

Moving at exactly the same time as your partner, like a mirror image

Expression

Using your face, body and energy to show feelings and emotions through movement

Flow

Smooth, continuous movement where one action connects seamlessly to the next

Sequence

A series of movements performed in a specific order with clear beginning and end

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic body awareness and spatial understanding
Simple travelling movements and stationary balances
Recognition of rhythm and beat in music

Current Skills

Creating and refining movement motifs
Working collaboratively with a partner
Performing movements in unison
Adding expression and creativity to movement

Next Steps

Creating longer dance sequences with multiple partners
Using different dynamics and levels in dance
Incorporating props and costume elements

Milestone Indicators

Students can repeat a 3-movement motif consistently

Students show clear start and finish positions

Students demonstrate improved movement quality after feedback

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise that there's no single 'correct' way to represent beach activities through movement
Model positive feedback language and collaborative behaviour consistently
Celebrate creativity and effort over technical perfection
Use the beach theme to maintain engagement and context throughout
Focus on the quality of partnership rather than just individual skill
Connect movement choices to real beach experiences students may have had
Encourage expression through both movement and facial expression

Common Misconceptions

That unison means identical - explain it means 'together' but can include personal interpretation
That feedback must be critical - teach positive, constructive approaches
That dance requires special talent - emphasise everyone can move expressively
That sequences must be complex - show how simple movements can be powerful
That mistakes are failures - frame them as learning opportunities

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Include frequent movement breaks, provide clear boundaries for partner work, use visual cues for attention focusing

dyspraxia

Break down movements into smaller steps, allow extra practice time, provide additional demonstrations and physical guidance

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure with visual schedule, allow practice time before partner work, offer quiet reflection space if needed

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of movements, provide physical guidance for unison work, position near music source for clearer audio cues

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, provide written instructions on cards, use hand signals for timing and transitions

physical disability

Adapt movements to seated position or limited mobility, focus on upper body expression, allow wheelchair dancing modifications

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Storytelling through movement, vocabulary development with descriptive movement words, speaking and listening through feedback giving

Maths

Counting beats and timing, sequencing and ordering movements, spatial awareness and positioning

Science

Forces and movement, understanding how muscles work together, rhythm and pattern recognition

Geography

Understanding coastal environments, beach activities and their physical characteristics, weather and seasonal changes

PSHE

Cooperation and collaboration skills, giving and receiving feedback positively, building confidence through creative expression

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between pairs during development work, central for demonstrations and instructions

Observation Focus

Quality of unison work, evidence of creativity and expression, collaborative behaviour

Intervention Points

Support pairs struggling with movement selection, assist with timing in unison work, mediate any partnership difficulties

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for visibility, show both correct technique and common errors for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'Together, 1, 2, 3!'
•'Show me the beach story!'
•'Feel the character of each movement!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 8m x 8m clear space, ideally hall or large classroom

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Music volume appropriate for instruction
•Speakers positioned safely away from movement areas
•Coloured spots flat and secure to prevent slipping

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during unison work
•Falls during enthusiastic movement
•Muscle strain from inadequate warm-up

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing guidelines between pairs established
•Progressive warm-up preparing muscles for activity
•Constant supervision of partner work proximity
•Regular reminders about controlled movement

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all pairs simultaneously
•Monitor for respectful collaboration
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration

Emergency Procedures

Stop music immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, involve school first aider if necessary