Lesson 3 - Mirror Movement and British Values Expression
Expressing British Values Through Creative Dance and Choreography
•Year 6
•Dance
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How can we use dance to communicate important values and work as effective partners?
Learning Objectives
- To develop a 16-32 count pairs section using British Values imagery as stimulus
- To demonstrate effective communication and teamwork through mirror movement
- To incorporate mirror image, level changes, and directional changes in choreography
Key Outcomes
- Students will create a collaborative dance sequence expressing British Values
- Students will demonstrate precise mirror movement with a partner
- Students will combine individual, travel, and pairs sections into a complete performance
Equipment & Resources Required
Place images face down for random selection
Alternative: Printed photos, tablets with images, or drawn pictures
Pre-load Mission Impossible theme and James Bond theme music
Alternative: Bluetooth speaker, CD player, or tablet with speakers
Define clear performance and audience areas
Alternative: Spots, bean bags, or chalk marks
Key Vocabulary
Copying exactly what your partner does, as if you are their reflection in a mirror
The height at which movements are performed - high, medium, or low
The routes or patterns dancers take as they move through space
Something that inspires or prompts creative movement ideas
The art of designing and arranging dance movements into a sequence
Partners or groups giving each other constructive comments about performance
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic travelling movements using different levels and pathways
- Understanding of freeze positions and body shapes
- Experience working with partners in physical activities
Current Skills
- Mirror movement technique and precision
- Translating visual stimuli into movement
- Collaborative choreography creation
- Combining multiple dance elements into sequences
Next Steps
- Advanced partnering techniques and lifts
- Group choreography with multiple dancers
- Performance skills and audience awareness
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Mirror movement requires eye contact and slow, deliberate actions for accuracy
- British Values can be expressed through body language, gestures, and movement quality
- Effective collaboration involves listening, building on ideas, and supporting partners
- Choreographic structure helps create memorable and repeatable dance sequences
- Performance confidence grows through supportive environments and constructive feedback
- Level changes and directional variety add visual interest and technical challenge
- Cultural expression through dance connects physical activity to broader learning
Common Misconceptions
- Mirror movement is the same as copying - clarify that it's reflection, not imitation
- Faster movements are better - emphasise control and precision over speed
- Only literal movements can represent values - encourage abstract interpretation
- Feedback should focus on mistakes - model positive, constructive commentary
- Complex choreography is more impressive - value clarity and expression over complexity
- Dance is only for certain students - ensure inclusive participation for all abilities
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Include regular movement breaks, provide clear short-term goals, use energetic music to channel focus
dyspraxia
- Simplify movement sequences, provide extra practice time, use verbal counting support, demonstrate multiple times
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet space if overwhelmed, use visual schedule for lesson progression
visual impairment
- Use verbal descriptions of picture cards, pair with sighted partner for mirror work, use tactile cues for positioning
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations extensively, provide written instructions, use hand signals for counting
physical disability
- Adapt movements to seated or supported positions, modify level changes to safe range, provide alternative mirror movements
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development, expressing ideas clearly, descriptive language for feedback
Maths
Counting beats, sequences, symmetry in mirror movements, spatial awareness
Art
Interpreting visual stimuli, creative expression, composition and structure
History
Understanding British heritage and cultural values through movement expression
PSHE
British Values understanding, collaborative skills, respect for others, confidence building
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position during demonstrations, circulating during pair work, side position during performances for clear observation
Observation Focus
Monitor mirror accuracy, creative collaboration, safety during level changes, and quality of peer interactions
Intervention Points
Step in if pairs struggle with creative process, if safety concerns arise, or if feedback becomes unconstructive
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for mirror work, demonstrate with confident student for best effect, show transitions slowly and repeat as needed
Verbal Cues
- •'Slow and smooth for accurate mirroring'
- •'Count together - 1, 2, 3, 4'
- •'What value does this movement show?'
- •'Include all three levels in your sequence'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 10m x 8m clear space for pairs work and performance areas
Surface Check
Non-slip surface essential for level changes and directional movements
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Volume control on music system to protect hearing
- •Picture cards with rounded corners to prevent cuts
- •Space markers placed to avoid trip hazards
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during travelling mirror work
- •Falls during level changes
- •Overexertion during sequence repetitions
- •Emotional stress during performance
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for each pair's working space
- •Progressive introduction of level changes with teacher demonstration
- •Regular breaks during intensive choreography creation
- •Positive, supportive environment for all performances
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear sight lines during mirror work activities
- •Circulate during pairs work to monitor safety and progress
- •Maintain proximity during performance sections for immediate support
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess any injury, provide appropriate first aid, and adjust activity level if needed