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Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can create actions that communicate meaning through symbolism.

Key learning points

  1. Move: performing actions that communicate a mood, idea or concept requires control and precision.
  2. Think: identifying how actions can communicate ideas requires decision making.
  3. Feel: creating and performing actions that accurately communicate an idea requires self-motivation to keep trying.
  4. Connect: valuing the contribution(s) of others requires respect.

Keywords

  • Visual metaphor - the representation of a person, place, thing or idea through an image

  • Symbol - a sign, shape or object that represents something else

  • Manipulate - to move or adjust

Common misconception

Pupils think that to communicate an idea we have to show a picture.

We can communicate ideas through our dance actions.

Teacher tip

When pupils position themselves behind their partner, they are likely to make themselves smaller. This isn't necessary, they simply need to be outside their partner's visual range.

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 (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
(Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

4 Questions

Q1.
Which word completes the title of the Banksy painting ‘Girl with a …’?

Correct answer: Balloon
Ball
Heart

Q2.
What is the term for outstretching a part of the body?

repetition
focus
Correct answer: extension

Q3.
What does identifying how best to communicate your ideas involve?

match making
Correct answer: decision making
story making

Q4.
What would be used to communicate the aesthetics of a floating balloon?

rhythm
Correct answer: dynamics
relationships

4 Questions

Q1.
How can we communicate an idea?

Correct answer: through dance actions
by being strong
by being fast

Q2.
What would valuing our partner's ideas and collaborating successfully require?

Correct answer: respect
strength
coordination

Q3.
What do we mean by a sign, shape or object that represents something else?

photo
Correct answer: symbol
square

Q4.
What word describes how we explain the meaning of a performance or a painting?

inspection
interaction
Correct answer: interpretation

To help you plan your 5 physical education lesson on: Visual metaphors, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...