Lesson 1 - Historical Movement & Motifs
WW2 Dance Storytelling
•Year 8
•Dance
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we use our bodies to tell powerful stories from history and connect with the experiences of people during World War II?
Learning Objectives
- To develop historical understanding through movement and share knowledge of World War II events
- To create imaginative actions based on historical themes and perform them with good timing
- To collaboratively develop a 48-64 count motif based on World War II themes, focusing on unison performance
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate understanding of World War II through creative movement
- Students will perform a structured dance motif in time with music and in unison with peers
- Students will show improved timing, coordination and performance quality through dance
Equipment & Resources Required
Position for clear sound throughout dance space
Alternative: Bluetooth speaker, laptop with speakers
Test volume levels before lesson, have backup music ready
Alternative: Any 1940s big band music, film soundtracks
Positioned where all students can see for mind mapping
Alternative: Flipchart paper, interactive whiteboard
Clear numbering system for corners (A, B, C, D)
Alternative: iPad with quiz app, printed question cards
Clearly visible from centre of room
Alternative: Coloured cones, floor tape markers
Key Vocabulary
A short movement sequence that can be repeated and developed throughout a dance
Performing movements at exactly the same time as others
The art of creating and arranging dance movements and sequences
The beat or rhythm in music that dancers use to time their movements
A wartime attack by aircraft on a ground target
The sustained bombing of Britain by Nazi Germany during WWII
A military walking style with regular rhythm and coordinated movement
A formal military greeting showing respect
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of timing and rhythm in movement
- Experience working in pairs and small groups
- Basic knowledge of historical events from Key Stage 2
Current Skills
- Creating movement sequences based on themes
- Performing in unison with others
- Developing extended motifs with counts
- Historical understanding through movement
Next Steps
- Adding narrative structure to dance sequences
- Incorporating props and costume elements
- Developing more complex timing patterns
- Creating group formations and spatial patterns
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Historical sensitivity: Always approach World War II content with appropriate respect and maturity
- Unison performance: Success depends on students listening to and watching each other, not just following teacher
- Creative confidence: Encourage risk-taking in movement creation while maintaining safety and respect
- Timing precision: Use strong, clear counting and musical phrasing to develop accurate performance
- Storytelling through movement: Help students understand that dance can communicate powerful ideas and emotions
- Collaborative creation: Balance individual creativity with group decision-making in motif development
- Performance quality: Emphasise connection to historical meaning rather than just technical accuracy
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'There's only one right way to represent each historical theme' - Correction: Encourage multiple interpretations while maintaining historical respect
- Misconception: 'Louder music makes better performances' - Correction: Teach listening skills and musical sensitivity
- Misconception: 'Dance is just about looking good' - Correction: Emphasise communication, storytelling and historical understanding
- Misconception: 'If I make a mistake, the whole performance is ruined' - Correction: Focus on group unity and recovery rather than individual perfection
- Misconception: 'Historical events are too serious for creative expression' - Correction: Show how art can honour and remember important experiences
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short, focused activities with clear transitions, movement breaks built in, specific roles and responsibilities, immediate positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement sequences, extra practice time, larger movement patterns, verbal and visual cueing combined
autism spectrum
- Clear structure and routine, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet space available, advance warning of music and volume changes
visual impairment
- Use audio cues for timing, descriptive language for movements, buddy system for spatial awareness, tactile marking of performance space
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations and hand signals, written instructions, vibration cues for timing, clear visual organisation of space
physical disability
- Seated or modified movement versions, adaptive equipment if needed, focus on upper body expression, alternative role as choreographer or feedback provider
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development through movement interpretation, creative writing through poetry homework, oral communication during feedback
Maths
Counting beats and sequences, understanding timing patterns, spatial awareness through formations and pathways
History
World War II events, dates, key figures, impact on civilian populations, military strategies and their consequences
Music
Understanding rhythm and timing, musical phrasing, 1940s musical styles and their historical context
PSHE
Empathy for historical experiences, teamwork and collaboration, resilience and perseverance, respectful discussion of sensitive topics
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around space to observe all students, position at front during demonstrations, in centre during group discussions
Observation Focus
Watch for: timing accuracy, unison performance, safe movement choices, respectful engagement with historical content, positive collaboration
Intervention Points
["Step in immediately if movement becomes unsafe", "Intervene if historical content is being treated inappropriately", "Support pairs who are struggling with creative task", "Redirect if students losing focus during performance sections"]
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate with full commitment and appropriate expression, exaggerate key elements for clarity, show both correct technique and common mistakes, model respectful approach to historical content
Verbal Cues
- •'Strong, proud posture like a soldier!'
- •'Together, together - listen to each other!'
- •'Remember, we're honouring real people's experiences'
- •'Count it out: 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8!'
- •'Make it sharp and clear so everyone can follow!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 8m x 12m clear space, suitable for group movement and formations
Surface Check
Dry, even surface suitable for floor work including kneeling, no obstacles or hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Music volume at appropriate level to prevent hearing damage
- •Corner markers securely positioned to avoid tripping
- •Whiteboard stable and markers capped to prevent mess
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during travelling movements
- •Falls during level changes (kneeling/standing)
- •Overexertion during sustained activity
- •Inappropriate handling of sensitive historical content
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and pathways established for all movement
- •Demonstrate safe techniques for level changes
- •Monitor students for signs of fatigue or overheating
- •Establish respectful approach to historical themes from start
- •Adequate spacing between students during unison work
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility during scattered formation work
- •Monitor pairs during independent choreography time
- •Watch for unsafe movement choices during creative exploration
- •Ensure positive, respectful atmosphere during historical discussions
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, have clear evacuation route