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Lesson Plans

Explore Walking

  • Lesson Plan Creator: Linda C. Smith
  • Grades: Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3
  • Subjects: P.E.
  • National/State Fine Arts Standards: Create, Perform/Present, Connect, Respond

This lesson plan will explore various ways of walking in different directions on different levels, inspired by Fin Amour Walking Dance.

Learning Objectives/Goals

Explore Levels (high, medium and low), Use of personal and general space, Explore Time (fast, medium and slow speeds)

Materials Needed

A large space or space with no obstructions, music or an instrument

Introduction

Watch the Walking dance from Fin Amour.

Warm-Up

Using a large open space, students will explore walking forward traveling in any direction. Students may change the direction of the walk so they don't collide with another student.  Students may walk using their own tempo (fast, medium or slow).

Investigate

Students will repeat walking, but this time find ways to travel sideways, then backwards and then walking and turning.  Next add, walking on different levels, but keep walking forward, backwards, sideways or turning, but add high, medium and low levels. Then add some tempo changes, such as fast, medium or slow.

Create

Students will work with a partner.  Have them create their own walking dance, using directions, levels and different speeds. 

Reflect

Students will show the creations to one another and the audience will tell them what directions, levels and speeds they observed during the performance.

Extension to the Lesson

Add different actions to the created patterns, for example, instead of walking try skipping or hopping, etc.

Follow Up Resources

Dance to Learn video classes



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What People are Saying

The diversity of the dancers really spoke to my students! It was great to see boys and girls dancing, and different races. The high level of engagement was so refreshing and got students excited about thecontent.
This activity was valuable because it helped students make connections between dance, rhythm, healthy lifestyles, and expression. The students were impressed by the talent of the dancers and it was motivating to them.
Opportunities for art and expression are so limited at school but so essential and valuable for all students, especially those who struggle to learn through traditional methods. My Kindergarteners have been dancing since you left!
This was so engaging. I looked around the auditorium and every student was watching. Not one person was talking or distracted
This activity is valuable to teachers and students because it gives them a creative outlet. We need movement in the classroom to engage, energize and deepen student learning.
I got great ideas on how to incorporate movement into math and science lessons.
I loved how you made movement and exercise relatable to the students. The dancers were full of energy and there was very little down time so students stayed engaged.
Our children were captivated by the performance. They listened to you and they were learning without knowing. They usually giggle when bodies are shown and talked about. But the way you presented it was so tastefully done, they now do poses and movement around the room and outside. You brokesome barriers and they took that permission and literally ran with it!