Dance 3 - Lesson 5

In the fifth lesson of Dance 3 for Year 2 students, the children are encouraged to unleash their creativity by choreographing and rehearsing dance phrases inspired by the movements of various animals. The lesson's objectives are clearly set out; pupils are expected to explore and respond to stimuli imaginatively, listen and respond to music, and demonstrate coordination and control in their movements. They are also encouraged to observe their peers and offer feedback, with the support of their teacher, using simple dance vocabulary. The key terms for this lesson include 'motif', 'phrase', 'gesture', 'pathways', and a range of descriptive words to capture the essence of animal movements, such as 'strong', 'heavy', 'explosive', and 'gliding'. Essential equipment includes gymnastic mats for the cool-down session, cones to delineate the dance area, and animal-themed music, with 'Carnival of the Animals' by Camille Saint-Saëns being a suggested piece.

The lesson begins with a warm-up where the class teacher sets up the dance zone and models different travelling steps, such as walking and skipping, along various pathways. The children then engage in a 'Visit To The Zoo' activity, moving around the space and responding to commands by mimicking animals like elephants, lions, and rabbits. During the main part of the lesson, the pupils are reminded of the dance topic and discuss the movements they have improvised, analysing the size, smoothness, and dynamics of each animal's actions. They then work in pairs or small groups to improvise motifs for different animals, developing these into dance phrases for a class performance. The lesson concludes with a cool-down that includes stretching and breathing exercises, ensuring the children are relaxed and ready to return to their next class activity.