Dance - Lesson 3

In the third lesson of the Year 6 dance module, the students are encouraged to perform dance phrases that incorporate a range of movements inspired by parkour. The lesson aims to develop their coordination as they explore, repeat, and link various actions. The success criteria for this lesson include the ability for pupils to explore and combine movement phrases with coordination, to link several movement phrases and patterns, and to use gymnastic equipment to create improvised movements. Key vocabulary terms such as 'phrase', 'gesture', 'retrograde', 'instrumentation', 'pathway', and 'parkour' are introduced. Equipment required for the lesson includes gymnastic mats and benches, and music to enhance the dance environment.

The lesson starts with a warm-up where the teacher sets out a dance zone and models different travelling steps using various pathways, with pupils given leadership opportunities to demonstrate these movements. Following the warm-up, the main part of the lesson involves reminding pupils of the dance topic of Street Art and encouraging them to create dance phrases based on the movements and actions associated with creating street art. Pupils work in pairs to recreate their initials with movements and patterns, incorporating levels and exaggerated movements. The teacher explains the concept of 'parkour' and pupils are then asked to add parkour-style movements into a dance routine, moving around the learning space and over equipment. The lesson concludes with a cool-down activity that repeats the body parts exercise from the warm-up and includes stretching and breathing exercises to relax the pupils before they return to class.