Creating a dance lesson for young children requires many steps, from warm-up exercises to introducing and explaining the dance curriculum. Students learn by doing, so it is important to break down the lesson into manageable chunks and incorporate repetition. When teaching choreography, try to incorporate visual cues and videos to help students visualize and understand the movements. For example, if the song tells a story, you can have your students learn the story by dancing the main characters.
The use of dance as a learning tool for students can be a powerful way to teach science concepts. Students will become familiar with the body’s anatomical principles and how to manipulate it for better performance. The best way to incorporate dance into a content-specific lesson is to develop it into activities that encourage performing. The benefits of this approach include a more open space for students to experience their bodies.
Young dancers can also learn about the natural world through dance. After watching a series on PBS KIDS, children can learn dances based on the movements of the planets, stars and Sun. They can also choreograph their own “space dance” and perform it. This way, children can develop their technique and artistic voices while learning to dance.
The first part of the dance lesson focuses on introducing concepts to students. This includes demonstrating the qualities of movement while changing speed. Later, students learn about how to balance themselves in different energies. They also review concepts such as personal space, time, and force. They will also learn about the importance of energy in movement and explore verbs related to these concepts.
