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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...