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Lesson 3 - Floor Patterns & Snake Story

Snake Movement Storytelling

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Year 4

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Dance

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Big Question

How can floor patterns and pathways help us tell the story of a hunting snake through movement?

Learning Objectives

To copy and rehearse travelling movements across space using floor patterns with control
To create travelling movements with floor patterns that help tell the story of a hunting snake
To perform confidently with music in front of peers without prompts

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate controlled travelling movements using various floor patterns
Students will create and perform movement sequences that effectively communicate the snake's hunting behaviour
Students will perform their group dance with confidence and appropriate focus and expression

Equipment & Resources Required

Tunnel Systems

Positioned where all students can hear clearly

Alternative: Tablet/phone with portable speaker

Serpent Duet Music/Video

Cued up and ready to play during performance sections

Alternative: Any atmospheric music suitable for snake movement

Markers Cones

8-12

Used to mark diagonal lines and boundaries

Alternative: Chalk marks on floor (if outdoors)

Key Vocabulary

Floor pattern

The pathway or route taken across the floor during movement

Pathway

The direction and route of travel through space

Battement

A dance movement where the leg is extended straight and controlled

Focus

Where the dancer directs their gaze to enhance character and story

Diagonal

A line that goes from one corner to another across the space

Dynamic

The quality of movement showing energy, speed, and strength

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic travelling movements from previous lessons
Understanding of performance space and safety
Experience working in small groups
Introduction to snake movement dynamics from previous lesson

Current Skills

Controlled travelling across space using floor patterns
Creating pathways that support storytelling
Combining travelling movements with floor patterns
Performance skills with focus and facial expression

Next Steps

Complex choreographic sequences with multiple characters
Advanced level changes and spatial relationships
Creating original dance narratives
Technical dance skills like battement

Milestone Indicators

Smooth transitions between different floor patterns

Clear communication of story through movement choices

Confident performance without teacher prompts

Effective use of focus and expression to enhance character

Key Teaching Points

Floor patterns are pathways that help tell stories through dance
Different movements suit different pathway shapes
Control and coordination are essential for clear storytelling
Focus and facial expression enhance character development
Group collaboration improves creative outcomes
Performance confidence develops through practice and support
Technical vocabulary helps communicate dance ideas clearly

Common Misconceptions

Any pathway works for any story - teach that specific patterns enhance specific story elements
Bigger movements are always better - emphasise control and clarity over size
Looking at the audience is always correct - teach character-appropriate focus
Individual creativity is more important than group coordination - balance personal expression with ensemble work
Fast movement shows more skill - teach that appropriate speed and control demonstrate mastery

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular movement breaks built in, clear boundaries and expectations, fidget tools available during discussion time

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, visual and verbal instruction combination, peer support partnerships

autism spectrum

Clear structure with visual schedules, quiet reflection spaces available, predictable routine with advance notice of performance

visual impairment

Tactile floor markers for pathways, verbal descriptions of all visual demonstrations, buddy system for spatial navigation

hearing impairment

Visual cues and hand signals for instructions, visual rhythm patterns, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Wheelchair accessible pathways, adapted movements using upper body only, modified floor patterns at appropriate level

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Storytelling through movement, descriptive vocabulary for movement qualities, narrative structure

Science

Animal behaviour studies, predator-prey relationships, forces and movement

Art

Creating visual patterns, understanding line and shape in space, performance as art form

Geography

Directional language, mapping pathways, understanding coordinates and position

PSHE

Collaboration skills, building confidence, appreciation of others' work, creative self-expression

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around space to observe all groups, position centrally for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for pathway clarity, movement control, group collaboration, and performance skills

Intervention Points

Support groups struggling with integration, assist with pathway planning, encourage reluctant performers

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, demonstrate wrong way to highlight correct technique, show pathway options clearly

Verbal Cues

•'Strong legs for support!'
•'Make your pathway clear!'
•'Show me your snake character!'
•'Focus on your prey!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 8m x 8m clear space for group work and diagonal travelling

Surface Check

Clean, non-slip surface suitable for dance movement

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Music system positioned safely away from movement area
•Floor markers/cones with rounded edges
•Electrical cables secured and away from pathways

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during travelling movements
•Falls during level changes and turning
•Overexertion during energetic movements

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spatial boundaries and pathways established
•Adequate spacing between groups and individuals
•Progressive warm-up preparing body for movement demands
•Controlled timing of diagonal travelling to prevent collisions

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all travelling pathways
•Monitor group work areas for safe spacing
•Watch for signs of fatigue during repetitive practice

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required