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Lesson Plans

Walking and changing Directions

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

Using Tempo, Students will explore space and time. This lesson relates to the Walking Dance in Fin Amour.

Learning Objectives/Goals

Exploring the Elements of Dance - Space and Time using direction and tempo.

Materials Needed

Large open space, music or drum

Introduction

Introduce the class goals and rules, set space boundaries.

Warm-Up

Have students clap along with you a pattern - 8 claps (teacher) then 8 claps (students), 4 claps (teacher) then 4 claps (students), 2 claps (teacher) then 2 claps (students) and 1 clap (teacher) 1 clap (students) 1 clap (teacher) 1 clap (students) silence.  Try the same thing but with stomping feet instead of clapping.

Investigate

With students standing, ask them to point to the front of the room, then take 7 steps walking in that forward direction, on count 8 students will change to face a different direction and point to the new direction.  Repeat that same 8 counts.  Then try with 4 counts, 2 counts and 1 count. Once all the counts are in place, try it all together.  8, 8, 4, 4, 2, 2, 1, 1, 1, 1

Create

Divide students into small groups.  Have them select a different way to move using the pattern.  Maybe skipping, or jumping, or galloping.

Reflect

Put the new patterns to music and show one another.

Extension to the Lesson

If students are successful, have them try a new movement for each part of the pattern.  For example: 8 jumps, 8 jumps, 4 spins, 4 spins, 2 stomps 2 stomps, 1 hop 1hop 1hop 1hop.

Follow Up Resources

Dance To Learn video lesson plans



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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!