A series of lessons about dance would be a great addition to your physical education class. Straightforward as well as creative, it teaches the basic skills of dance movement. A rubric helps guide the dancers to let them know what steps...

Fourth graders explore the music of Buenos Aires as they hear and then dance the Tango. They practice basic Tango rhythm, learn to sing the song, "Any Turkey can Tango," then practice a few Tango-riffic dance steps with a partner....

This was written for ESOL learners, but could work for any elementary class. Learners read about the American dance style known as Square Dancing. They explore its use in literature, write a friendly letter about it, and then use their...

Third graders perform a line dance in the study of math as a pattern. They create and discuss movement solutions derived from movement exploration. They observe that patterns exist in the areas of music and dance and follow the...

Students demonstrate keeping steady beat through practice exercises and stepping to the beat using instruments such as conga drums, tambourines and rhythm sticks.

Second graders perform a square dance using proper movements keeping the beat and the rhythm of the song. They explore basic square dance steps as well as a complete dance. Give a bit of background on square dancing.

Learners explore dance. They analyze and outline the movements of the dance "Roger de Coverly" from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Students choose music and choreograph a dance similar to "Roger de Coverly." They perform the dance....

Sixth graders interpret and replicate patterns. In this patterns lesson, 6th graders are given an item with a definite pattern which they must replicate using a calculator or computer and then justify how they relate. Students...

Students follow directions to make a snake out of patterns. They research a specific snake and present it to the class in a group. They listen to a presentation about the King Cobra snake prepared by the teacher.

Fourth graders practice expressing themselves through the art of dance.  In this physical education activity, 4th graders discuss choreography and how moving specific ways at certain times can be artistic.  Students create and...

Students explore the elements of tempo, beat and rhythm. They create rhythm patterns and an original dance. In groups, students perform their phrases for their peers. As a class, they explore choreographic principles, processes and...

Students create a self portrait using symbols that represent them. In this self portrait lesson plan, students look at a nineteenth century painting and discuss the symbols that represent this era. They then recreate a dance in the...

Learners chant "Mabel, Mabel, Set the Table" in beats grouped in 4's using a percussive pattern. They repeat using 3's. Students sing a song in 4's and in 3's. they move to recorded music to practice threes. Learners create Orff...

Fourth graders identify the cardinal directions by listening to a song entitled, "Stand," and by reviewing the lyrics to that song. They notice the cardinal directions that are posted around the classroom. They perform the motions as...

Seventh graders explore physical fitness by performing Tae Bo.  In this physical education lesson, 7th graders practice using mixed martial arts techniques by completing a Tae Bo fitness exercise in class.  Students reflect on...