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Creative Movement from Spots

  • Lesson Plan Creator: Lynne Larson
  • Grades: Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2
  • Subjects: Math, P.E.
  • National/State Fine Arts Standards: Create, Perform/Present, Respond

In this lesson plan designed for grade levels K-2, students explore size and space relationships of objects through motion.

Learning Objectives/Goals

Using visual aide to springboard movement, investigation of levels (high, medium, low), investigation of size (small, medium, big). Straight, zig-zag and intersecting pathways. Dance Element—Space

Materials Needed

600 Black Spots by David A. Carter, drum, music

Introduction

Class expectations (Good listening, following directions, be creative, be active), Spaceboundaries, personal boundaries, goals for class today

Warm-Up

Using verbs (locomotor movements) such as jump, run, hop, gallop, skip, etc. have the students begin to explore the space, not bumping into others and keeping within the spatial boundaries of the room. Practice a FREEZE of the whole body between actions.

Investigate

Show the students the 2nd pop-up in the 600 Black Spots book. Ask them to describe what they see in the picture. The spots are different sizes! Small, Medium and Big. Ask them to show you a small jump, a medium jump and then the biggest jump. Repeat this with different action words. Have the students suggest some. Then show them the pop-up one more time. Do they notice anything else? The spots are all at different heights or levels! High, medium and low. Go back to the action of jumping and ask the students to jump very low to the ground, very high in the air and somewhere in the middle. Re- peat with different action words.

Create

With a partner, have the students create a series of movement that goes from small to big and one that goes from high to low. Select a different action for each spatial exploration. One for size and a differ- ent action for Levels.

Reflect

Have the students perform their patterns for the group. Have the audience notice the differences in size and level in each group.

Extension to the Lesson

Show the students the pop-up one more time. This time have them focus on the way the dots are all connected. With straight lines and zig-zag lines. These are pathways. What ways could you travel from one spot to another?

Follow Up Resources

Explore other pop-up books for inspiration to use with movement.

Details


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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!