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Explore Locomotor Patterns

  • Lesson Plan Creator: Linda C. Smith
  • Grades: Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2
  • Subjects: P.E.
  • Part of Class: Creative Movement

Moving through space, using different tempos and locomotor movements and levels. This lesson plan relates to the Feet Dance in Fin Amour.

Learning Objectives/Goals

Students will create a pattern using basic locomotor movement then explore their pattern in Time using different levels.

Materials Needed

A large open space, music or a drum

Introduction

State your class goals, space boundaries

Warm-Up

Have students make a list of locomotor movements or ways to travel from one place to another in space.  With music have student practice some of these movements.

Investigate

Select 3 different locomotor movements and create a pattern.  For example, run, slide, roll.  Practice as a group.  Then introduce the idea of time.  Try doing the pattern as slowly as possible.  Try doing the pattern as fast as possible.  Then introduce levels.  Try doing the pattern low to the ground, high in the air, in the middle. 

Create

In groups, have students select 3 locomotor movements to create a pattern.  Ask them to include one that is slow and one that is very fast.  Also ask them to include high, medium and low levels.

Reflect

Perform the patterns for one another using music. Ask students to look for different speeds and levels and locomotor movements as they are watching groups perform.

Extension to the Lesson

Add a frozen beginning and ending shape to the pattern.  One on a low level and one on a high level.

Follow Up Resources

Dance To Learn video lesson plans.

Details


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What People are Saying

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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!