Unit Overview
This unit develops pupils’ ability to create, perform and evaluate dance using a range of movement patterns.
- Develops control, coordination and balance through dance movements
- Explores actions, dynamics and relationships within dance
- Encourages creativity and expression through movement
- Develops the ability to perform simple sequences with control and fluency
- Introduces working with a partner or group to create dances
- Encourages pupils to observe and describe movement using simple language
Unit Outcomes
By the end of this unit, pupils will be able to:
- Perform a range of movements with control and coordination
- Link movements together to create simple dance sequences
- Use actions, dynamics and space to express ideas
- Work with a partner or group to create and perform a dance
- Remember and repeat movement patterns with increasing accuracy
- Observe and describe dances using simple movement vocabulary
Lesson Plans
Lesson 1: Entering The Jungle
Warm-up • Skill Development • Game
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Learning Objective:
- To explore different travelling movements, levels, and pathways
- To move with control, coordination, and imagination
Success Criteria:
- I can explore different ways of travelling using a range of body parts and levels.
- I can move safely and creatively through space, showing awareness of others.
- I can begin to link movements together to create a short exploratory sequence.
- I can work individually and in pairs to share ideas.
Key Words:
- Travel
- Pathway
- Explore
Equipment:
- Music player
- Jungle-themed background music (optional)
- Cones for pathways
Preparation Ideas (warm up) – Explore Expedition
Children move around the space as if they are explorers entering a jungle. Begin with walking carefully, then progress to crawling under branches, stepping over logs, jumping across puddles, and ducking under vines.
Teacher calls out challenges such as ‘It’s muddy!’ or ‘A monkey swings past!’ to change speed and direction.
Progression:
>Add more dynamic control: include twists, turns, and changes in body shape.
>Add emotion: how does your explorer feel – excited, scared, brave? Show it through your body.
Skill Development
Jungle Pathway
Mark different pathways in the hall with cones or visual lines (zigzag, curved, straight). Children travel along the pathways using different actions: walking, tiptoeing, crawling, skipping, jumping. Explore high, medium, and low levels.
Progression:
>Combine two or more travel types in one pathway (e.g., walk then crawl then jump).
>Add turns or gestures to enhance expression.
>Start travelling in pairs, matching each other’s pace and level.
Creating an Explorer’s Journey
In small groups or pairs, children create a 3–4 movement sequence showing their journey into the jungle. Encourage linking actions smoothly, changing levels and direction. Rehearse sequences to music.
Progression:
>Add a clear start and end pose.
>Introduce use of canon or unison in pairs/groups.
>Add contrasting speeds (slow crawl → fast leap).
Creative Application – Mini Performances
Groups perform their explorer sequences to the rest of the class. Audience focuses on levels and control. Discuss what worked well and what could be improved.
Teaching Points:
- Move with strong posture and control.
- Keep your eyes up – look where you’re travelling.
- Use your whole body (arms, torso, legs) to show the style of travel.
- Each action should be clear and controlled.
- Transitions between movements should flow smoothly.
- Show expression through body language – are you brave, cautious, curious?
Key Questions:
- Does your sequence show a clear start and finish?
- How can you make your movements more expressive or dramatic?
- How do you show different types of movement with control?
National curriculum links:
- Developing control and balance through dance
- Comparing their performance against previous attempts, looking for improvements to their personal best
- Perform dances using a range of movement patterns
Social/environmental skills:
- Developing confidence in the session
- Showing and developing resilience
- Showing creativity in coming up with their own movements
Lesson 2: Jungle Creatures
Warm-up • Skill Development • Game
View Lesson Plan
Learning Objective:
- To explore ways of moving showing control, coordination, and changes in dynamics.
- To use different body parts and levels to express character and quality of movement.
Success Criteria:
- I can explore movements inspired by real jungle animals (e.g., monkeys, snakes, jaguars, parrots).
- I can use dynamics, levels, and shapes to show animal qualities.
- I am able to work individually and collaboratively to create short animal sequences.
Key Words:
- Control
- Flow
- Dynamic
Equipment:
- Music player, jungle background music (optional),
- Open space
- Visual pictures of jungle animals (optional).
Preparation Ideas (warm up) – Animal Wake Up
Children find spaces to move in. Teacher calls out real jungle animals and the children look to copy and create the movement style of that animal. You may also ask the children to be creative and create their own movements, rather than the teacher calling out an animal.
Progression:
>Add animal movements in patters and ask children to have a smooth transitions between animals,
>Add emotion and travel while staying in character.
Skill Development
Animal Actions
Set up 4 animal zones (Monkey Tree, Snake River, Jaguar Path, Parrot Canopy) in the space within the hall and split the class into those 4 areas. Children to explore the movements of each area, thinking about what might be found within each habitat of each animal and use them as part of their movements.
Progression:
>Combine animals by removing the barriers to each area and ask the children to transition as they enter a new area
>Pair mirroring each other
Jungle Animal Sequence
In pairs or groups, get the children to choose 2–3 animals to represent. They will look to link movements of each animal smoothly within a sequence pattern. Make sure there is a clear beginning and end of the sequence and a smooth transition between each movement change.
Progression:
> Add in extra movement patterns to the sequence
>Ask the children to contrast between fast/slow or high and low movements when picking animals to use.
Creative Application – Mini Jungle Performance
Groups will now perform the animal sequence from the previous part of the session to others. Ask for feedback on the sequences with a positive and area for improvement provided for groups.
Teaching Points:
- Clear beginning/end to sequences with contrasts between animal movements with smooth links between each
- Encourage contrast and control with sequences, using imaginative realism for each animal movement
- Encourage confidence and teamwork, with expressive clarity throughout the session
Key Questions:
- What makes your movement look like your animal? How can you change your shape?
- How does your sequence flow smoothly?
- What did your group do to show different animals? How did they use levels?
National curriculum links:
- Develop control, balance and technique through dance
- Comparing their performance against previous attempts, looking for improvements to their personal best
- Perform dances using a range of movement patterns
Social/environmental skills:
- Developing focus and listening by following instructions and safety rules
- Developing confidence to try new movements
- Showing creativity throughout the session
Lesson 3: Crossing The River
Warm-up • Skill Development • Game
View Lesson Plan
Learning Objectives:
- To combine travelling, levels, and animal-inspired movements into sequences
- To demonstrate balance, control, coordination, and creativity, individually and in small groups.
Success Criteria:
- I can develop short dance sequences that show safe river crossing using jumps, steps, and animal movements.
- I can use levels, directions, and spatial awareness effectively.
- I can work in pairs or small groups to perform sequences with control and fluency.
Key Words:
- Sequence
- Control
- Direction
Equipment:
- Music player, jungle/rainforest background music
- Floor spots to represent river stepping stones
Preparation Ideas (warm up) – Riverbank Travel
Children to move through the space simulating riverbank travel:
>Tiptoe on “narrow rocks” (balance).
>Step wide to “avoid mud puddles.”
>Crawl under “low branches.”
>Hop over “fallen logs.”
Incorporating previous animal movements (e.g., monkey swing, jaguar stalk).
Progression (Higher Ability):
>Challenge: cross “river” in different ways without touching the floor between markers.
>Travel with arms and torso moving expressively.
>Combine two different movements in one flow (crawl → jump → tiptoe).
Skill Development
Jumping, Balancing, and Flow
Use markers or floor spots as “stepping stones” spread around the area we are working in. Children to practice:
>Small jumps from stone to stone.
>Side steps, lunges, or hopping.
>Incorporate high, medium, and low levels.
They will first look to work individually then in pairs, mirroring or shadowing each other’s crossings.
Progression:
>Add turns or small jumps between stones.
>Travel in canon or unison with partner/group.
>Experiment with speed contrasts (slow tiptoe → fast leap).
River Sequence
We are now going to create a short dance phrase simulating crossing a river, using previous skills. We want to see smooth transitions throughout.
In pairs or small groups, children choreograph a 4–5 movement sequence representing:
>Approaching the river.
>Crossing using stepping stones or animal movements.
>Exiting safely on the other side.
Encourage the use of Levels (high jump, low crawl) & direction changes throughout
Creative Application – Mini River Performance
Groups will now perform the riverbank sequence from the previous part of the session to others. Ask for feedback on the sequences with a positive and area for improvement provided for groups.
Teaching Points:
- Get children to focus on flow between movements, using arms for stability and expression.
- Have a clear start and finish points of the sequences.
- Use facial expression to show focus, curiosity, or caution.
- Reinforce team work and communication skills throughout the session
Key Questions:
- Does your sequence flow smoothly? What could make your sequence more fluid or expressive?
- How do your movements show control and balance?
National curriculum links:
- Develop control, balance and technique through dance
- Perform dances using a range of movement patterns
Social/environmental skills:
- Understanding how to follow instructions
- Developing team work and collaboration skills through working with a partner
- Developing creativity skills when combining different movements together
Lesson 4: Jungle Climb
Warm-up • Skill Development • Game
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Learning Objective:
- To explore climbing, stretching, and reaching movements, showing control, balance, and creativity.
Success Criteria:
- I can explore movements that simulate climbing trees, vines, and rocks.
- I am able to link movements smoothly into short sequences individually and in small groups.
- I can develop control, strength, and body awareness.
Key Words:
- Levels
- Control
- Sequence
Equipment:
- Mats
- Benches
- Vaults
- Music player for jungle themed music (optional)
Preparation Ideas (warm up) – Jungle Stretch
We are going to prepare the body for climbing movements and improve flexibility. Start with gentle full-body stretches:
>Reach up tall like tree branches.
>Stretch sideways like vines.
>Bend low like jungle plants.
We can then Incorporate travelling, by stepping lightly across the floor, crawl under “vines,” tiptoe on “rocks,” reach up to “grasp branches.”
Progression:
>Add controlled turns while reaching up or bending low.
>Travel in different directions while maintaining balance.
>Combine stretch with previous animal-inspired movements.
Skill Development
Climbing & Reaching
Set up “climbing zones” (or use imaginary trees/vines if space is limited), around the playing area. We can use vaults, mats, spots and benches to do this. We are now going to practice:
>Low level: crawling under branches, stepping over roots.
>Medium level: stepping on “rocks,” lunging to grab imaginary vines.
>High level: stretching arms upwards, small jumps to reach “leaves.”
We can then incorporate animal-inspired movements from previous lessons to this.
Progression:
>Combine low, medium, and high levels in one continuous movement.
>Add dynamic changes: slow reach → fast jump.
>Work in pairs: mirror or shadow each other’s climbing.
Jungle Climbing Sequence
We will now create and perform a sequence simulating climbing and exploring the jungle, incorporating animal-inspired qualities. In pairs or small groups, children choreograph a 4–5 movement sequence:
>Approach a tree or vine.
>Climb, stretch, or reach using levels.
>Exit safely or transition to another movement.
Encourage:
>Smooth transitions.
>Direction changes.
Progression:
>Include unison or canon with partner/group.
>Add more complex level changes and dynamic contrasts.
>Use formations to enhance group performance.
Creative Application – Mini Jungle Climb Performance
Groups will now perform the jungle climb sequence from the previous part of the session to others. Ask for feedback on the sequences with a positive and area for improvement provided for groups.
Teaching Points:
- Encourage confidence and clear expression.
- Focus on smooth transitions and level variety.
- Keep movements controlled and deliberate.
- Keep core engaged for balance and strength
Key Questions:
- How can you move between low, medium, and high safely?
- What helps you stay balanced when reaching or stretching?
- How did your group show climbing safely?
National curriculum links:
- Develop control, balance and technique through dance
- Perform dances using a range of movement patterns
Social/environmental skills:
- Showing resilience in their work
- Developing confidence in wanting to try and test new skills
- Displaying creativity when performing jumps, balances and sequences
Lesson 5: Jungle Adventure
Warm-up • Skill Development • Game
View Lesson Plan
Learning Objective:
- To create and perform a short dance representing a jungle adventure
- To demonstrate control, coordination, balance, and creativity individually and in small groups.
Success Criteria:
- I can combine previously learned movements into a longer, expressive sequence.
- I can use levels, directions, and dynamics to show variety.
- I can work collaboratively in pairs or groups to create a polished performance.
Key Words:
- Sequence
- Control
- Flow
Equipment:
- Mats
- Benches
- Vaults
- Spots
- Music player, jungle-themed background music (optional)
Preparation Ideas (warm up) – Jungle Movement Mash Up
We are going to prepare the body for a variety of movements and rehearse control. Children move around the space using:
>Travelling: tiptoe, crawl, skip, jump.
>Animal-inspired movements: monkey swings, jaguar prowls, parrot flutters.
>Climbing actions: reach, stretch, lunge.
Teacher can then call out combinations: “Tiptoe like a monkey, then jump over the river.”
Progression:
>Combine 3–4 different movements smoothly.
>Add expressive facial expressions and dynamics.
>Travel in pairs or small groups, maintaining timing.
Skill Development
Linking Movements
We are going to develop smooth transitions and sequence building. Children to work individually or in pairs, to link:
A travelling movement → a climbing/reaching movement → an animal action.
Encourage changes of level (high to low movements), direction, and speed throughout
Progression:
>Add 2–3 extra movements for longer sequences.
>Introduce canon or unison with a partner.
Jungle Adventure Sequence
We are going to create a group sequence simulating a jungle adventure. In small groups (3–4 children), choreograph a 6–8 movement sequence:
>Include travelling, climbing, and animal-inspired actions.
>Consider starting and ending positions.
>Use changes in level, direction, and speed.
Make sure we give groups enough time to come up with a perfect their sequence.
Progression:
>Add more complex transitions between actions.
>Experiment with formation changes (changes in positions of each person) and timing.
Creative Application – Mini Jungle Adventure Performance
Groups will now perform the jungle adventure sequence from the previous part of the session to others. Ask for feedback on the sequences with a positive and area for improvement provided for groups.
Teaching Points:
- We want to promote confidence and clear expression.
- Can we focus on smooth transitions, use of levels, and dynamics and ensuring that we have a clear start and finish to the sequence/performance
- Encourage teamwork and observation skills throughout the session, ensuring teams take on responsibility of leading teams and use effective communication skills to come up with their routines
Key Questions:
- Does your sequence tell a story of a jungle adventure?
- Are the movements clear and expressive?
- Do your movements flow smoothly from one to the next?
National curriculum links:
- Develop control, balance and technique through dance
- Perform dances using a range of movement patterns
- Comparing their performance and showing improvements throughout the session
Social/environmental skills:
- Developing resilience through trying to improve and perfect their routine
- Displaying creativity through coming up with their own routines
- Being compassionate and considerate as others are performing and improving their routine
- Showing encouragement and being kind to others
Lesson 6: The Jungle Celebration
Warm-up • Skill Development • Game
View Lesson Plan
Learning Objectives:
- To perform a polished jungle-themed dance sequence, combining travelling, climbing, animal-inspired movements, and creative expression.
- To demonstrate control, coordination, teamwork, and confidence.
Success Criteria:
- I can combine previous skills into a coherent group performance.
- I can use levels, directions, and dynamics to enhance storytelling.
- I am able to work collaboratively to create and refine sequences.
- I can perform with confidence, expression, and clear timing.
Key Words:
- Improve
- Practice
- Sequence
- Control
Equipment:
- Mats
- Benches
- Vaults
- Cones
- Music player, jungle-themed background music (optional)
Preparation Ideas (warm up) – Jungle Movement Review
We are going to prepare the body for performance and rehearse previous skills. Children are going to move around the space, incorporating:
>Travelling: tiptoe, crawl, skip, jump.
>Climbing: reach, stretch, lunge.
>Animal-inspired actions: monkey, jaguar, snake, parrot.
Teacher calls out combinations and encourages creativity: “Hop like a frog → crawl like a snake → reach high like a parrot.”
Skill Development
Jungle Celebration Sequence
Combine all previous skills into a group performance. In groups (3–5 children), they are going to choreograph a 6–8 movement “celebration” sequence:
>Include travelling, climbing, animal-inspired, and creative actions.
>Use levels, direction changes, and expressive dynamics.
>Rehearse sequences multiple times to music.
The groups can use mats, benches, vaults and spots to recreate sequences from previous sessions. Teacher encourages confident performance, smooth transitions, and expressive qualities throughout
Creative Application – Jungle Celebration Performance
Groups will now perform the jungle celebration sequence from the previous part of the session to others. Ask for feedback on the sequences with a positive and area for improvement provided for groups.
Teaching Points:
- Encourage confident performance and teamwork from each group, ensuring each member takes part in the sequence and is a part of the decision making process when coming up with sequences
- Focus on expression, levels, and timing with the groups, ensuring there is a clear start and finish to their sequences
- Celebrate creativity and effort with the groups, especially when it comes to the feedback given by other groups
Key Questions:
- Which parts of the sequence were strongest?
- How did your group show expression and control?
- What could you do to make it even more polished?
National curriculum links:
- Developing control, balance and strength throughout the session
- Perform dances using a range of movement patterns
Social/environmental skills:
- Developing problem solving skills through trying to improve their work
- Showing and developing resilience in their work
- Showing creativity throughout the session
- Showing good team work and collaboration skills
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