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Exploring SHAPE

  • Lesson Plan Creator: Linda C. Smith
  • Grades: Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4
  • Subjects: Math, P.E.
  • Part of Class: Creative Movement
  • National/State Fine Arts Standards: Create, Perform/Present, Connect, Respond

Using creativity to design and explore three simple frozen shapes.

Learning Objectives/Goals

This lesson plan relates to the Shape Dance from Fin Amour, focuses on creating movement from the shapes of objects in the room.

Materials Needed

A large space, a drum and music.

Introduction

Class goals and objectives, space boundaries

Warm-Up

Have students look around the room and point to something that has straight lines in it.  Then make a straight line shape with your body.  Repeat this with a Curved Line and a Zig-Zag or Angle Line as well.  They will finish with 3 shapes. 

Investigate

Have the students move slowly from one shape to another in 8 counts, then 4 counts, then 2 counts and finally in 1 count for each shape. Decide on an order and then create a pattern that goes from one shape to another slowly, then quickly.

Create

Divide students into groups of three.  Have the students explore ways their 3 shapes can connect.  Explore the different ways they can move from one shape to the next.  Slow? Sustained? Fast? Smooth?

Reflect

Have the groups show to one another and have the audience notice the different ways or qualities of movement.

Extension to the Lesson

Try freezing in one of the shapes, then have the students pick a locomotor movement to move away from the shape for 8 counts and then move back to it in 8 counts. 

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!