Dance - Lesson 5

In the fifth lesson of a Year 2 dance series, the students are set to engage in a dynamic and collaborative exercise where they will create a group dance phrase inspired by the movements and sounds of fireworks. The lesson's learning objectives are focused on selecting and using a variety of movements to craft a dance sequence as part of a group. Success criteria for the lesson include working collaboratively to explore choreographic ideas, considering elements such as the size and tempo of movements, dynamics, floor and air patterns, levels, and shapes. Pupils will also learn to give and receive feedback on dance performances using simple dance vocabulary, with the support of their teacher.

The lesson begins with a warm-up where the class teacher sets out a dance zone and instructs the pupils to move around the space, responding to various action words like 'Jump', 'Turn', and 'Rocket', which may be displayed on word cards. Following this, in the main part of the lesson, pupils are reminded of the fireworks theme and are put into groups to create a dance phrase that will contribute to a class performance. They will use movements from previous lessons and their own ideas, keeping in mind the direction, shape, size, tempo, and patterns of their movements. The class teacher plays themed music to inspire the children's creativity, and they are encouraged to envisage the fireworks display they are portraying. The lesson concludes with an informal performance where each group shares part of their dance phrase and receives constructive feedback to refine their work. A cool-down session with rhythmic movements and stretching on gymnastic mats brings the lesson to a gentle close.