Sword dancing: Scotland
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can coordinate a range of actions whilst travelling in different directions.
Key learning points
- Move: responding to different styles of music improves our musicality.
- Move: performing actions and avoiding the swords requires control, agility and balance.
- Think: being able to coordinate different body parts requires concentration.
- Feel: avoiding the ‘swords’ requires resilience.
- Connect: following instructions is an example of cooperation.
Keywords
Direction - the course of travel
Posture - how the body is held
Coordination - moving two (or more) body parts at the same time
Common misconception
You need to look at the floor to avoid the swords.
If working carefully, it is possible to remember where the 'sword' markings are and avoid them. This skill takes a great deal of practice.
Teacher tip
Orientate all pupils in the same direction to begin with to reduce confusion regarding the different directions.
Equipment
Suggested music, masking tape or electrical tape.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which of the following words mean ‘to move forward’?
Q2.Which of the following is not a team working skill?
Q3.When do you demonstrate resilience?
Q4.Which of the following do not demonstrate musicality?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which UK country is known for its Sword Dancing?
Q2.What shape do the swords create when placed on the floor?
Q3.What skill does coordinating different body parts when dancing use?
Q4.What instrument is usually associated with Sword Dancing?
To help you plan your 4 physical education lesson on: Sword dancing: Scotland, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 physical education lesson on: Sword dancing: Scotland, 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.