Changing formations: Wales
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use a variety of formations when performing a dance.
Key learning points
- Move: performing actions to correspond to the music demonstrates musicality.
- Move: performing in time as a group can be helped by one person counting aloud.
- Think: organising group formations uses decision making skills.
- Feel: resilience enables us to act on any feedback we are given in order to develop our ideas further.
- Connect: performing as a group and taking turns requires cooperation.
Keywords
Formation - how dancers are arranged
Pathways - the track of a journey
Location - a position or place
Common misconception
Pupils think that all dance formations involve facing forwards, side by side.
In traditional dances, the performers typically look straight ahead, but the formations may involve people being side by side, one behind the other, in a circle or sometimes something different such as a star, a square or a double circle.
Teacher tip
Organise the groups so that the 'lead' pair are all at the same side of the room and that all groups are instructed to circle in the same direction (either clockwise or anticlockwise) to minimise risk of collision.
Equipment
Suggested music.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.How can emphasis be added to an action?
Q2.Which of the following refers to ‘size’?
Q3.What skill is used when we listen to and work with the music in groups?
Q4.What enables performers to continue working even when tired?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is not a formation?
Q2.What do we travel along to get from one formation to another?
Q3.Which word describes being ‘expressive through music’?
Q4.Which of the following would not demonstrate cooperation?
To help you plan your 4 physical education lesson on: Changing formations: Wales, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 physical education lesson on: Changing formations: Wales, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 2 physical education lessons from the Dance: traditional dances of the British Isles unit, dive into the full primary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.