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Lesson 1 - Space Race Movement Motif

Creative Space Storytelling

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Year 4

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Dance

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Big Question

How can we use our bodies to tell the story of humanity's greatest adventure into space?

Learning Objectives

To develop a space-themed movement motif demonstrating agility, balance, coordination and precision
To translate creative ideas from mind mapping into expressive dance movements
To perform with good timing, posture and extension whilst working collaboratively

Key Outcomes

Students will create and perform a 32-48 count space-themed motif
Students will demonstrate improved agility, balance, coordination and precision
Students will contribute meaningfully to collaborative choreography

Equipment & Resources Required

Cards

4 sets

Stick one in each corner of the hall at student eye level

Alternative: Hand-drawn pictures, printed images from internet

Sun Markers

1 set

Position where all students can see from seated area

Alternative: Large paper sheets, interactive whiteboard

Tunnel Systems

Test volume levels before lesson begins

Alternative: Laptop with speakers, tablet with amplification

Themed Music

2-3 tracks

Have tracks ready to play - 'Star Girl' by McFly, 'Sputnik' by Public Service Broadcasting

Alternative: Generic instrumental music with steady beat

Key Vocabulary

Motif

A short sequence of movements that can be repeated and developed

Space Race

The 20th-century competition between nations to achieve superior spaceflight capability

Dynamics

How energy is used in movement - fast/slow, strong/gentle, flowing/sharp

Extension

Stretching body parts away from the centre to create lines and shapes

Timing

Moving in time with the music and with others in the group

Balance

Maintaining stability whilst moving or in stillness

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic movement vocabulary from previous dance units
Understanding of space and levels in movement
Experience with simple choreographic structures

Current Skills

Creating movements that represent abstract concepts
Working collaboratively to build dance sequences
Demonstrating agility, balance, coordination and precision

Next Steps

Complex motif development with transitions
Advanced choreographic devices and structures
Performance skills with greater expression and dynamics

Milestone Indicators

Movements clearly represent chosen space theme words

Demonstrates improved coordination and timing

Shows confidence in performing to others

Key Teaching Points

Always demonstrate movements slowly first, then at performance speed
Use space theme vocabulary throughout to reinforce learning
Emphasise quality of movement over speed or complexity
Build confidence through positive feedback and celebration of effort
Connect movements to real space concepts for deeper understanding
Maintain focus on agility, balance, coordination and precision throughout
Use peer feedback to develop observation and communication skills

Common Misconceptions

Movement must be literal representation - encourage abstract interpretation
Faster movement means better performance - emphasise control and precision
Only confident dancers can perform well - support all students to succeed
Space theme limits creativity - show how theme can inspire diverse movements
Mistakes are failures - frame as learning opportunities and improvement chances

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular movement breaks built in, clear physical boundaries, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns initially, extra practice time, peer support system

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule displayed, quiet observation option available

visual impairment

Audio cues for movement quality, tactile corner cards, verbal descriptions of demonstrations

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with exaggerated movements, hand signals for timing, written instructions available

physical disability

Seated or adapted movements, use of upper body only, modified floor work to chair level

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development, descriptive language for movement qualities, speaking and listening skills

Maths

Counting in sequences, understanding of time signatures, spatial awareness and directions

Science

Space exploration, gravity and weightlessness, planetary movement and orbits

Art

Space-themed imagery, creative interpretation through movement, visual representation of concepts

Geography

Countries involved in Space Race, global perspective on space exploration

History

Space Race historical context, 1950s-1960s timeline, key events and personalities

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around space to observe all students, use corners for demonstrations visible to all

Observation Focus

Watch for creative interpretation, controlled movement quality, and positive collaboration

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggle with coordination, need movement ideas, or show unsafe behaviour

Demonstration Notes

Use full body demonstration, repeat from different angles, emphasise key technique points clearly

Verbal Cues

•'Reach to the stars with full extension!'
•'Feel the slow motion floating quality'
•'Keep your movements controlled and precise'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 10m clear space, corner access, adequate height for jumping

Surface Check

Clean, non-slip surface suitable for barefoot movement, no obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Corner cards securely attached at appropriate height
•Music system positioned safely away from movement area
•Whiteboard stable and pens non-toxic

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during free movement and corner rushing
•Dizziness from spinning movements
•Falls during balance activities and floor work

Risk Mitigation

•Clear movement boundaries and safety rules established
•Controlled spinning with spotting technique taught
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex movements
•Adequate spacing maintained throughout activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all students during scattered activities
•Move around space during exploration to monitor individual technique
•Watch for fatigue and dizziness especially during spinning

Emergency Procedures

Stop, assess, appropriate first aid if needed, clear evacuation route maintained