Using props in dance: Wales
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can incorporate props into my work.
Key learning points
- Move: performing actions using props, such as handkerchiefs, adds flow and helps to exaggerate the arm actions.
- Think: trying a range of ideas for using a prop before selecting the best option involves decision making.
- Feel: creating actions with props requires resilience to keep trying hard so that the prop enhances the performance.
- Connect: cooperation ensures precise timing, proper use of props and correct formation during a performance.
Keywords
Prop - an object incorporated into a performance
Handkerchief - a square of material
Formation - how performers are arranged
Common misconception
Pupils often assume that using props like handkerchiefs or scarves simply means waving them in the air.
If using props such as handkerchiefs or ribbons in dance these can exaggerate the actions and add flow to the action. Whereas props such as sticks or swords can also add sound. Props often help to communicate the theme or origin of a dance too.
Teacher tip
Paper napkins make for a safe and 'easy to access' alternative to handkerchiefs. The children can also decorate them to make them colourful and easily identifiable.
Equipment
Suggested music, 30+ pieces of square material (e.g. handkerchiefs)
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is a formation?
Q2.What is a ‘formation’?
Q3.What describes musicality?
Q4.What does ‘sharing ideas’ demonstrate?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is a prop?
Q2.What do props add to a dance performance?
Q3.What skill would be used if you tried hard to find the most effective way for using a prop, even if it was difficult?
Q4.Which skill helps with keeping time, the safe use of props and maintaining formations?
To help you plan your 4 physical education lesson on: Using props in dance: Wales, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 physical education lesson on: Using props in dance: 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.