New
New
Year 5

Applying a range of motifs and structuring a dance

I can use the images in a painting as a stimulus to actions, shapes and pathways.

New
New
Year 5

Applying a range of motifs and structuring a dance

I can use the images in a painting as a stimulus to actions, shapes and pathways.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: applying angular shapes to our movements requires precision and creates a different aesthetic.
  2. Move: performing actions that combine angular shapes and pathways brings the stimulus to life.
  3. Think: each step of creating, developing and arranging motifs involves decision making.
  4. Feel: rehearsing changes to a motif requires resilience to continue to apply ourselves fully.
  5. Connect: ensuring everyone has enough space to perform their actions fully demonstrates respect.

Keywords

  • Angular - having angles or sharp corners

  • Stimuli - something that evokes ideas

  • Pathway - the course of a journey

Common misconception

A dance only has one motif.

Most dances will contain several motifs, these can be as short and simple as a gesture or more complex sequences. If they are performed more than once in a dance, then they are a motif.


To help you plan your year 5 physical education lesson on: Applying a range of motifs and structuring a dance, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Have whiteboards and pens available for pupils to anotate their dances in some way to aid their recall. Alternatively supply groups with a tablet to film their work.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Suggested music and art.

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following would enable a motif to be varied?

Correct answer: change the direction
change the costume
change the music

Q2.
When collaborating, who decides how a motif is changed?

Correct answer: the group
the audience
the teacher

Q3.
What is a stimulus used for?

to increase effort
Correct answer: to generate ideas
to calm performers

Q4.
What word describes the study of beauty in the arts?

elegance
grace
Correct answer: aesthetics

Assessment exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
What does making changes to a motif require?

Correct answer: rehearsal
relaxation
conversation

Q2.
What would ensuring the performers have enough space demonstrate?

resilience
Correct answer: respect
timing

Q3.
What are the three decision making steps involved in choreography?

Correct answer: creating, developing, arranging
thinking, feeling, imagining
travelling, jumping, turning

Q4.
Which of the following would not vary a motif?

changing the level
changing the speed
Correct answer: changing nothing

Additional material

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