Dance - Lesson 1

In the first lesson of a dance series for Year 5, students embark on an exciting journey to learn the Haka, a traditional Maori dance. The lesson's learning objectives are for students to perform a simple range of Haka movements and patterns with coordination, follow a choreographed dance phrase, and incorporate characteristics of a traditional Haka. The success criteria set out that pupils should be able to explore, repeat, and link movements and patterns, as well as perform in unison. Key vocabulary introduced includes 'phrase', 'gesture', 'haka', 'unison', 'canon', and 'repetition'. To facilitate the lesson, 15 gymnastic mats are required for the activities.

The session begins with a warm-up where the class teacher models different travelling steps, such as walking, marching or skipping, and introduces a playful 'Beans' game where pupils perform actions corresponding to different bean names. Transitioning to the main activity, the teacher introduces the Haka, explaining its cultural significance and characteristics such as fierce facial expressions, chest puffing, knee bending, and strong arm movements. Pupils learn and practice various Haka movements and gestures, with the opportunity to name them for easier recall. The lesson culminates in a performance where the class is split into two groups, each performing the Haka to the other. A cool-down session follows, repeating the 'Beans' activity and incorporating stretching and breathing exercises to relax the pupils after their energetic dance performance.