New
New
Year 5

Developing motifs using question and answer

I can apply the relationship of question and answer to a motif in unison.

New
New
Year 5

Developing motifs using question and answer

I can apply the relationship of question and answer to a motif in unison.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: performing actions with clarity and accuracy requires control and balance.
  2. Think: creating a motif and changing the relationship between unison, and question and answer, requires decision making.
  3. Feel: performing a motif in pairs requires self-discipline to ensure accurate timings.
  4. Connect: collaborating to combine two motifs with a partner requires respect.

Keywords

  • Motif - a recurring pattern of actions that can be varied or developed

  • Question and answer - a choreographic relationship where two or more dancers take turns to perform different actions

  • Unison - a choreographic relationship where the performers perform the same action at the same time

Common misconception

When creating a motif to represent ideas from a painting, you must use the same action over and over again.

When creating a motif, you can demonstrate an action then repeat it by changing the size, level, direction, speed, force, using a different body part, adding an extra action, reversing the action or coordinating another action at the same time.


To help you plan your year 5 physical education lesson on: Developing motifs using question and answer, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Have an image of Haring's 'Untitled (Dance)' (1987) available throughout the lesson.
Teacher tip

Equipment

additional materials: 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

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
What does a metaphor do?

Correct answer: represents something
adds dynamics
applies focus

Q2.
What is important when making contact with another person?

Correct answer: respect
energy
force

Q3.
What is a recurring action or image called?

the chorus
Correct answer: a motif
a pattern

Q4.
What does interpretation allow us to do?

observe closely
Correct answer: understand meaning
interact with performers

Assessment exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
What is a recurring pattern of actions in a dance called?

Correct answer: a motif
a sequence
a phrase

Q2.
What does changing a motif require?

Correct answer: decision making
space
timing

Q3.
What should we show when collaborating with a partner?

speed
Correct answer: respect
dynamics

Q4.
What is the choreographic relationship where performers do the same action at the same time?

canon
Correct answer: unison
question and answer

Additional material

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