KS1 Topic:Oceans and Seas Block D: Sea Mythology

Inspired by sea monsters and mythological creatures, listen to sounds of the sea and write a powerful poem. Examine the voyage of Odysseus and create a sequence of sounds matched to events from his journey. Finally, storyboard dance movements inspired by Odysseus and the sea monsters he meets, and perform dance to a piece of sea-themed music.

Block D: Sea Mythology(4 sessions) / Main outcome: Geography
Other outcomes: English, Computing, MusicandPE
By the end of this block you will have achieved the following outcomes: /
  • Develop pleasure in reading, motivation to read, vocabulary and understanding by listening to, discussing and expressing views about a wide range of contemporary and classic poetry, stories.
  • Recognise simple recurring literary language in stories and poetry.
  • Discuss and clarify the meanings of words, linking new meanings to known vocabulary.
  • Discuss their favourite words and phrases.
  • Develop positive attitudes towards and stamina for writing.
  • Evaluate their writing with the teacher and other pupils.
  • Adopt, create and sustain a range of roles, responding appropriately to others in role.
  • Become more familiar with and confident in using language in a variety of situations and for a variety of role play situations.
  • Use search technologies for locating information.
  • Play tuned and untuned instruments musically.
  • Listen with concentration and understanding to a range of high-quality live and recorded music.
  • Experiment with, create, select and combine sounds using the inter-related dimensions of music.
  • Develop fundamental movement skills, become increasingly competent and confident, and access a broad range of opportunities to extend their agility, balance and coordination, individually and with others.
  • Work co-operatively on physical activities, in a range of increasingly challenging situations.
  • Perform dances using simple movement patterns.

Session 1: English/Computing
Myths and Monsters Sea Poetry
Write a poem inspired by sea monsters and mythical creatures. / Children will
  • Write poetry using senses based on mythical creatures.
  • Use vocabulary that creates an image in the mind of the reader.
  • Write in a poetic style to a given theme.
  • Read and record poetry as if a radio presentation.
  • Use the internet to find images of sea monsters and mythical creatures.

Session 2: Music
Sea Mythology Music
Listen to sounds of the sea; Make a mind map of episodes from the voyage of Odysseus; Create a sequence of sounds matched to these events. / Children will
  • Explore sounds of the sea on recordings.
  • Respond to the music emotionally and use words to describe these emotions.
  • Create their own sounds, linked to the myth of Odysseus.
  • Perform a sequence of sounds that will give the effect of the journey of Odysseus.

Session 3: English/PE
Mythological Movement Mysteries
Inspired by the story of Odysseus, create a storyboard of movements ready for a dance performance. / Children will
  • Gain awareness of stories with ocean settings.
  • Use stories as a stimulus to create a movement storyboard for planning a dance sequence.

Session 4: PE/Music
Mythological Movement
Listen to music related to the sea; Work in a group to develop a dance sequence telling the story of Odysseus. / Children will
  • Respond to music relating to sea.
  • Describe mood of the music.
  • Develop movement in response to music.
  • Work in pairs and groups to develop a series of movements.
  • Perform a dance sequence set to a piece of music as if the ocean.

Resources

Session 1

Provided: The Story of Odysseus; Presentation: Scylla and Charybdis; Poem-Writing Template; Poem-Writing Template 2.

You will need: Large sheets of sugar paper; Marker pens; Recording device; ‘The Adventures of Odysseus’, in Usborne Greek Myths for Young Children (optional).

Session 2

Provided: Presentation: Musical Instruments; Music Sound Template; Music Sound Template 2.

You will need: A selection of musical instruments (see the presentation for ideas).

Session 3

Provided: Movement Storyboard Template.

Session 4

Provided: Dance Lesson Plan.

You will need: Computer with loud speakers.

Useful websites for background information:

Sounds of the Sea

Sea sound effects

Ocean sound effects

Benjamin Britten’s Four Sea Interludes

Teaching Dance

A Toolkit for Primary Dance

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