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Curving, linear and irregular pathways: letters

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can travel along precise pathways using the shapes of letters of the alphabet.

Key learning points

  1. Move: precise pathways help to make our actions clear.
  2. Think: choreographing dance actions involves deciding what to do and how to do it.
  3. Feel: taking turns when working with others requires self-discipline.
  4. Connect: planning a dance with others requires us to communicate our ideas and opinions.

Keywords

  • Pathway - the track or course of a journey

  • Precise - accurate, detailed

  • Taking turns - performing one at a time

Common misconception

Pupils think they can create a pathway by drawing the letter shapes in the air.

Drawing letter shapes in the air produces 'air pathways'. This lesson is focusing on 'floor pathways' which require the pupils to travel along the shapes of the different letters.

Teacher tip

Use existing markings on the floor or strips of masking tape to assist the pupils in visualising letters and to provide a start and finish point. Whiteboards can further support pupils. If pupils use cursive handwriting, then give capital letters as examples for linear pathways instead.

Equipment

additional materials: suggested music

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
(Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

4 Questions

Q1.
In dance, what do we call a linking action?

Correct answer: transition
travelling
tempo

Q2.
What do we mean by a sequence of actions seen more than once in a dance?

routine
Correct answer: motif
pathway

Q3.
What does self-discipline help us to do?

Correct answer: perform accurately
perform quickly
perform alone

Q4.
When do we use decision-making in dance?

when watching
when cooling down
Correct answer: when choreographing

4 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following letter shapes is an example of a linear pathway?

c
s
Correct answer: x

Q2.
What is ‘taking turns' an example of?

Correct answer: self-discipline
selfishness
worry

Q3.
What does sharing and planning our ideas with others require?

pathways
Correct answer: communication
dynamics

Q4.
How do we create a letter pathway in dance?

drawing the letters
resting
Correct answer: using actions

To help you plan your 3 physical education lesson on: Curving, linear and irregular pathways: letters, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...