Incorporating Dance into Physical Education
One year ago, I was asked if I would like to teach the Educational Dance and Movement class at the University of Memphis. I immediately said yes. When I was a PE teacher at the elementary level I always included it in my curriculum. My athletic background included dance and cheer. I knew the importance and benefits of teaching dance. I knew that I could make the lessons meaningful and relatable to my students. As with any skills you teach, there will be some students who will be excited and receptive to learn while others will be not as eager. Teaching dance can be a challenge but it does not have to be. “Why do we teach dance in schools? I have two left feet and no rhythm!” This is a question and a statement I often hear from many of my college students on the first day of class. I assure them that they will be able to dance and learn how to teach dance to their students once they leave my class. I would tell my elementary students, “I just want you to try. You may not like everything I teach but just give it a chance and try your best”.
I took a different approach this semester and decided to start with a different style of dance, Cardio Fitness Drumming. By changing the name and the students seeing the equipment, it gave them a different feeling towards dance. I am getting the students to buy into learning and enjoying dance. I am still teaching to the standards but teaching using a different approach. I have presented this type of dance to several PE teachers in the surrounding school districts and at my state conference. I have received positive feedback from the routines I have designed. I often hear about the success and student engagement after they teach the lesson to their students. Cardio Fitness Drumming is a type of dance that incorporates lummi sticks, stability balls, and buckets. What child doesn’t like to have to opportunity to drum? Now add in the dance element and win the students over! Designing the routines that include simple, repetitive rhythms in the beginning is key. Then allow them to work in groups to create moves, teach their peers, and then put it all together gives them choice about the dance. I have seen their confidence grow while teaching these lessons.
My goal is to keep students active, engaged, build confidence with dance, develop positive attitudes towards dance and themselves, give them an opportunity to learn about their bodies, their culture and other cultures. I want to expose students to different types of activities and include lessons that build off interests of all students and teaching cardio fitness drumming gives me a good start. In the end, having the students enjoy and have a new appreciation for dance is all I can ask for from my students.
Tennessee State Standards addressed:
MS.5.0 Demonstrates beat awareness by moving to varying rhythms
MS.5.1 Combines beat awareness with locomotor and nonlocomotor movements
MS.5.2 Performs a simple, creative dance using locomotor, nonlocomotor, and movement concepts.
MS.5.3 Performs a simple teacher and/or student-designed rhythmic activity.
MS.5.5 Creates and performs dances on beat with correct pattern.
FPA.2.3 Recognizes the benefits of physical activity that contribute to a healthy lifestyle
3.PCW.3 Identify personal activity goals needed to achieve overall wellness
I took a different approach this semester and decided to start with a different style of dance, Cardio Fitness Drumming. By changing the name and the students seeing the equipment, it gave them a different feeling towards dance. I am getting the students to buy into learning and enjoying dance. I am still teaching to the standards but teaching using a different approach. I have presented this type of dance to several PE teachers in the surrounding school districts and at my state conference. I have received positive feedback from the routines I have designed. I often hear about the success and student engagement after they teach the lesson to their students. Cardio Fitness Drumming is a type of dance that incorporates lummi sticks, stability balls, and buckets. What child doesn’t like to have to opportunity to drum? Now add in the dance element and win the students over! Designing the routines that include simple, repetitive rhythms in the beginning is key. Then allow them to work in groups to create moves, teach their peers, and then put it all together gives them choice about the dance. I have seen their confidence grow while teaching these lessons.
My goal is to keep students active, engaged, build confidence with dance, develop positive attitudes towards dance and themselves, give them an opportunity to learn about their bodies, their culture and other cultures. I want to expose students to different types of activities and include lessons that build off interests of all students and teaching cardio fitness drumming gives me a good start. In the end, having the students enjoy and have a new appreciation for dance is all I can ask for from my students.
Tennessee State Standards addressed:
MS.5.0 Demonstrates beat awareness by moving to varying rhythms
MS.5.1 Combines beat awareness with locomotor and nonlocomotor movements
MS.5.2 Performs a simple, creative dance using locomotor, nonlocomotor, and movement concepts.
MS.5.3 Performs a simple teacher and/or student-designed rhythmic activity.
MS.5.5 Creates and performs dances on beat with correct pattern.
FPA.2.3 Recognizes the benefits of physical activity that contribute to a healthy lifestyle
3.PCW.3 Identify personal activity goals needed to achieve overall wellness
See it in action!
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See what students have to say!
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