During my fourth and fifth visits we have been adding to our list of energy qualities that we know! These first graders are so smart and have remembered this vocabulary we have been learning.
One activity we did was a short phrase across the floor. Since we have learned so many different principles, I wanted to see how the kids did if we danced a short sequence. The imagery for this one was fall leaves. Across the floor we did 3 hops and then we imagined we jumped into a big piles of leaves and we through them in the air. Then we skipped and slid. To take it to the next level we even added counts to the phrase and the kids picked up well what movement you were supposed to do on which count. I was really impressed and excited as they learned this phrase.
So we have added to our tree dance the energy qualities of stretch and swing. So in this tree dance we do movement of sustain, sway, collapse, stretch and swing.
After we danced our tree dance a few times we performed for each other. Before we did so we briefly went over a little performance ediquette. We also talked about their peers performance a little bit.
I am excited to explore more imagery and ideas together as a class again soon! These little movers are so creative and really good at following!
picture description: moment of us throwing the leaves in the air!
I like that you went over etiquette for them watching the performance. I've noticed that this is not always natural or easy for young children. For your example, they performed something that you taught them, but I've noticed that if I have them perform something that they have created, they want to talk about it and keep planning while the other dancers are performing. A good way I've found a way to handle that is 1. giving them enough time to create and practice their dances and 2. Telling them that whatever they have ready to perform when I tell them to stop is what they are performing, even if they do not have all the required elements.
ReplyDeleteI love the creativity and imagery you are able to use with the students. This is such a great time to allow them to explore their own world and bodies. I think that preforming for each other is a great idea! I think that would be a great way for them to focus more, practice watching, and have confidence in performing. I think I'll try doing that with my students!
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