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Lesson 3 - Contrasting Cat Characters

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 use movement and expression to bring two completely different cat characters to life through dance?

Learning Objectives

To develop character dance skills by exploring two contrasting cat personalities
To create and perform sequences that clearly show the difference between mysterious and lazy cats
To work collaboratively in pairs to perform movements in unison and canon

Key Outcomes

Students will create expressive movements that clearly portray mysterious and lazy cat characters
Students will collaborate effectively to create and perform 3-movement sequences
Students will demonstrate understanding of unison and canon in their performances

Equipment & Resources Required

Music Player

1 set

Position centrally for clear audio throughout space

Alternative: Tablet with speaker, phone with portable speaker

Mysterious Cat Music

1 track (3-4 minutes)

Choose music with varied tempo and mysterious atmosphere

Alternative: Classical music with suspenseful elements, film soundtrack music

Lazy Cat Music

1 track (3-4 minutes)

Select relaxed, slow-tempo music

Alternative: Slow jazz, peaceful instrumental music

Cones

8-10

Create clear performance areas for pair work

Alternative: Spots, bean bags as boundary markers

Key Vocabulary

Mysterious

Secret, puzzling, or hard to understand - moving with stealth and intrigue

Lazy

Slow-moving, relaxed, and unwilling to make much effort

Unison

Moving at exactly the same time, performing identical movements together

Canon

One person starts a movement, then others follow the same movement after a delay

Character

The personality or nature of the cat being portrayed through movement

Expression

Using face, body, and movement to show feelings and personality

Flow

Smooth, continuous movement that connects one action to the next

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic cat movements from previous lessons
Understanding of character dance concepts
Experience with simple sequence creation

Current Skills

Contrasting character development
Partner work and collaboration
Understanding unison and canon
Expressive movement quality

Next Steps

More complex character combinations
Advanced choreographic skills
Performance confidence and stage presence

Milestone Indicators

Clear differentiation between character types

Sustained character portrayal

Effective partner synchronisation

Key Teaching Points

Character differences must be clearly visible through movement choices and body language
Unison means exactly together, canon means following like an echo with a clear delay
Flow between movements creates professional-looking sequences
Partner cooperation is essential for successful timing
Facial expressions and body language are as important as big movements for character
Different levels (high, middle, low) add interest and show character qualities
Peer feedback should be specific, positive, and constructive

Common Misconceptions

Thinking mysterious means fast movements (mysterious should be controlled and often slow)
Believing lazy means no movement (lazy cats still move, just slowly and heavily)
Confusing unison with canon - emphasise unison means 'exactly together'
Thinking character work is just about animal movements (it's about expressing personality)
Believing dance requires complex movements (simple movements with strong character are more effective)
Assuming floor work is always necessary (character can be shown at any level)

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent changes between characters, clear physical boundaries for pair work, regular movement breaks

dyspraxia

Simplified character movements, extra practice time for sequences, visual and verbal cues for timing

autism spectrum

Clear structure with predictable partner arrangements, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Clear verbal descriptions of character qualities, tactile guidance for partner positioning, audio cues for timing

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of character differences, hand signals for timing cues, vibrations for rhythm

physical disability

Seated character work focusing on upper body expression, modified movements within physical capabilities

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Character development, descriptive language about movement qualities, storytelling through movement

Art

Understanding contrast and expression, visual representation of character through movement

Drama

Character portrayal, expression through movement, performance skills and confidence

Music

Responding to different musical styles, understanding rhythm and timing in canon work

PSHE

Cooperation and communication, giving and receiving feedback, building confidence

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around space to observe all pairs, spend time with those needing support

Observation Focus

Character commitment, partnership cooperation, understanding of timing concepts

Intervention Points

Step in if character work becomes inappropriate or unsafe, support struggling partnerships

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated character movements to make differences clear, model excellent unison and canon timing

Verbal Cues

•'Stay in character!'
•'Remember to flow between movements!'
•'Show me the difference!'
•'Watch your partner for timing!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor space minimum 8m x 10m, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Non-slip surface suitable for dynamic movement and floor work

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Music equipment positioned safely away from movement area
•Cones/markers with rounded edges only
•Volume at appropriate level to avoid hearing damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during energetic character movements
•Falls during floor work and level changes
•Over-excitement leading to unsafe movements

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for pair working areas
•Controlled movements practiced before adding character energy
•Teacher demonstration of safe level changes
•Regular reminders about spatial awareness

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all working pairs
•Monitor character work doesn't become overly boisterous
•Watch for appropriate partnership interactions

Emergency Procedures

Standard first aid procedures, clear access to exit, emergency contact details available