TECHNIQUE
Today we are going to learn how to perform locomotor and non-locomotor movements to a steady beat.
IMPORTANCE
Performing locomotor and non-locomotor movements to a steady beat is important because it improves your coordination, attention span, and listening skills.
VOCABULARY
Locomotor movements: movements where the body travels from one location to another usually using the feet.
Non-locomotor movements: movement when a body part remains anchored to one spot i.e., bending, twisting, stretching.
FREEZE DANCE
TIME
10-20 minutes
NUMBER OF STUDENTS
No restrictions
EQUIPMENT
Music player
“Freeze Dance” by Kiddie Palooza
STORYLINE
Today we are going to dance to the song “Freeze Dance”. Your goal is to perform locomotor and non-locomotor movements to a steady beat while the music is playing and freeze when the music stops.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Before the dance begins, spread out so you are at least an arm’s length away from the student next to you.
- When I say, “GO!” I will start playing the music.
- When the music stops, you must freeze your whole body.
- Resume moving when the music starts again.
- We will begin a new game at the end of the song.
Game 1: Play as indicated above. Jog or run in between freezes.
Game 2: Hop on the right foot; hop on the left foot; hop on two feet in between freezes.
Game 3: Crab walk, leap frog or bear crawl in between freezes.
Exit Ticket: Students walk to the location to line up while stepping to the beat of the music.
TEACHING TIPS
- ELL Accommodation:
- Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
- Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
- SpEd Accommodation:
- Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications.
- Allow students to demonstrate skill one-on-one with teacher.
- Allow students extra time to master the skill.
- Reflection:
- Today I practiced performing locomotor and __________ movements.
- Did you like performing locomotor or non-locomotor movements better?
HOKEY POKEY
TIME
10-20 minutes
NUMBER OF STUDENTS
No restrictions
EQUIPMENT
Music player
“Hokey Pokey” by Kiddie Palooza
1 short cone per student
STORYLINE
Today we are going to dance to the song the “Hokey Pokey”. Your goal is to follow along and perform locomotor and non-locomotor movements to the steady beat of the song.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Before the dance begins, spread out in a circle and line up behind one marker cone.
- When I say, “GO!” I will start playing the music.
- You must try your best to follow along to the dance steps.
- If you mess up or perform an incorrect dance move, keep going.
- We will begin a new game at the end of the song.
Game 1: Play as indicated above. During the chorus, have students dance around their marker cone.
Game 2: During the chorus, have students skip, gallop, walk or dance in a circle around the marker cones.
Exit Ticket: Students walk to the location to line up while stepping to the beat of the mustic.
TEACHING TIPS
- ELL Accommodation:
- Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
- Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
- SpEd Accommodation:
- Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications.
- Allow students to demonstrate skill one-on-one with teacher.
- Allow students extra time to master the skill.
- Reflection:
- Today I practiced performing locomotor and __________ movements.
- Did you like performing locomotor or non-locomotor movements better?
CONGA
Instruction without music
Demonstration with music
TIME
10-20 minutes
NUMBER OF STUDENTS
No restrictions
EQUIPMENT
Music player
“Conga” by Gloria Estefan
Optional: 1 dot per student
STORYLINE
Today we are going to dance to the song “Conga”. Your goal is to follow along and perform locomotor and non-locomotor movements to a steady beat as you dance.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Before the dance begins, spread out so that you are at least an arm’s length away.
- When I say, “GO!” I will start playing the music.
- You must try your best to follow along to the dance steps.
- If you mess up or perform an incorrect dance move, keep going.
Game 1: Follow as indicated above. Students who feel more comfortable can move to the front, while students who do not feel as comfortable can move to the back.
Game 2: Have students get in one big conga line (teacher in front) and perform the sequence of steps.
Game 3: Have students get into pairs and form a conga line, while performing the sequence of steps.
Exit Ticket: Students walk to the location to line up while stepping to the beat of the mustic.
TEACHING TIPS
- Approach:
- Remind students, it will take them many tries to do the dance moves perfectly. Keep practicing!
- ELL Accommodation:
- Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
- Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
- SpEd Accommodation:
- Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications.
- Allow students to demonstrate skill one-on-one with teacher.
- Allow students extra time to master the skill.
- Reflection:
- Today I practiced performing locomotor and __________ movements.
- Did you like performing locomotor or non-locomotor movements better?