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Lesson 5 - Cat Sequences & Interaction

Animal Movement Expression

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Year 4

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Dance

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45 min

Big Question

How can we move like excellent dancers while creating stories through our cat characters?

Learning Objectives

To develop and perform interacting cat movements with a partner
To create sequences that show clear relationships and storylines
To demonstrate creativity and expression through dance movements

Key Outcomes

Students will perform cat-inspired dance sequences with clear partner interactions
Students will demonstrate understanding of different levels and flow in movement
Students will assess and improve their own and others' performances

Equipment & Resources Required

Mats

1 per pair (15)

Spread mats around hall with clear pathways between

Alternative: Carpet squares, marked floor spaces

Benches

4-6

Position around hall perimeter for apparatus work

Alternative: Low boxes, gym apparatus

Music Player

Positioned centrally for clear sound coverage

Alternative: Bluetooth speaker, tablet with speakers

Themed Music

3-4 tracks

Tracks ready to play, volume tested

Alternative: Instrumental music with varying tempos

Key Vocabulary

Sequence

A series of movements performed one after another

Interaction

Movements that involve working with or responding to a partner

Flow

Smooth transitions between movements without stopping

Levels

The height at which movements are performed - high, medium, low

Expression

Showing feelings and character through movement and facial expression

Canon

When movements are performed one after the other, like an echo

Unison

When movements are performed at exactly the same time

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic cat movements from previous lessons
Understanding of high, medium and low levels
Basic partner work and spatial awareness

Current Skills

Interacting movements with apparatus
Creating sequences that show relationships
Performing with expression and creativity

Next Steps

Advanced choreography with multiple partners
Complex storylines through movement
Leading and teaching movement to others

Milestone Indicators

Movements flow smoothly from one to another

Clear interaction and relationship visible

Expression matches the intended cat character

Key Teaching Points

Maintain strict safety during all partner interactions with no contact rule
Emphasise expression and characterisation throughout all movements
Ensure all students experience both leading and following roles in partnerships
Use apparatus purposefully to enhance storytelling rather than just for novelty
Focus on smooth flow between movements rather than isolated actions
Encourage creativity while maintaining clear learning structure
Connect all movements to cat characteristics and chosen relationships

Common Misconceptions

Thinking partner work requires physical contact - emphasise safe non-contact interactions
Believing dance is only about technical perfection - stress creativity and expression equally
Assuming apparatus use makes sequences automatically better - teach purposeful integration
Thinking all cats move the same way - explore different cat personalities and emotions
Believing performances must be perfect - celebrate creative attempts and improvement
Assuming peer feedback should focus on mistakes - teach constructive, positive assessment

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent movement breaks, clear boundaries for working spaces, regular refocusing activities

dyspraxia

Simplified movement combinations, extra practice time, visual cues for sequences, partner support

autism spectrum

Clear structure with visual timetable, designated quiet space available, consistent routines and expectations

visual impairment

Clear verbal descriptions of all movements, tactile guidance for apparatus use, consistent positioning of equipment

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all instructions, hand signals for timing, vibrations from music felt through floor

physical disability

Adapted movements using available mobility, seated versions of activities, focus on expression over mobility

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Storytelling through movement, character development, descriptive vocabulary for relationships

Art

Creative expression, using body as artistic medium, aesthetic appreciation

Music

Responding to rhythm and tempo, moving in time with accompaniment

PSHE

Cooperation, giving and receiving feedback, celebrating differences, building confidence

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all pairs, central position for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Partner cooperation, safety during interactions, creative development, expression quality

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe interactions develop, support struggling partnerships, challenge advanced pairs

Demonstration Notes

Use teaching assistant for partner demonstrations, exaggerate expressions for visibility, show clear contrasts

Verbal Cues

•'Stay in character!'
•'Show me the relationship!'
•'Make it flow!'
•'Use different levels!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 10m hall space with additional areas for apparatus

Surface Check

Non-slip floor surface, clean and dry, free from obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Mats checked for tears or damage
•Benches stable and correctly positioned
•Apparatus positioned with adequate clearance

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during partner interactions
•Falls from apparatus
•Contact during rolling movements
•Slips during floor work

Risk Mitigation

•Strict no-contact rule during partner interactions
•Adequate spacing between working pairs
•Supervised apparatus use only
•Clear movement pathways maintained

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all partner work simultaneously
•Monitor apparatus use continuously
•Watch for over-excitement during performances

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, first aid available, clear access to exits maintained