Dance - Minibeasts - Lesson 2

In Reception class Dance lesson 2, young students embark on an imaginative journey to explore the movements of bees through dance. The learning objectives are clear: children are expected to navigate the space as bees, collaborate with a partner, coordinate their actions, and allow the rhythm of music to guide their movements. The lesson incorporates key vocabulary terms such as 'travel', 'flutter', 'position', 'pose', and 'freeze', fostering not only physical development but also language skills. The warm-up is an engaging activity where pupils respond to different coloured cones with specific movements, such as jumping, balancing, and turning, as directed by the class teacher. Following this, they participate in head, shoulder, hip, and foot exercises to prepare their bodies for the main activity.

The core of the lesson involves children using hand fluttering actions to represent bee wings, moving in various directions to mimic how bees fly. Teachers guide the children to ensure safe movement around the room, preventing collisions as they weave through space. Pupils then pair up to enact bees collecting nectar from flowers, taking turns to assume the roles of bee and flower. The lesson culminates in a mini dance performance where the children combine all the movements they've learned, set to music that evokes a summery atmosphere. To cool down, a game of 'Simon Says' is played, allowing children to wind down while still following movement instructions. This lesson is a creative blend of physical education and imaginative play, designed to engage young minds and bodies in the world of minibeasts.