Elementary School Lesson Plan

Standard: Students will:

• use starting points such as observation, experiences and research to express ideas and feelings
• plan, select and modify presentations for particular occasions, taking into account factors such as purpose, space, materials and equipment

a. ludwig dance company, Tempe, AZ

Task: create a dance suited to a particular performance space

Preparation: Discuss with the students the importance of the environment to living creatures. Point out that dance occurs in an "environment."

Activity: Have the students, in small groups, choose a place on the school grounds or in the school to serve as the environment for their dance. In their group have the students observe and discuss their environment, e.g. a tree as a performance venue could lead to discussion of the tree's shape, bark texture, age and importance to the school grounds. Have the students create movements to suggest textures, spacial levels, color, etc., and then perform their dance for their class.

Assessment: Videotape the dances. Have the students write a critique of their work, dealing with the appropriateness and originality of their movement choices in relationship to the environment. Discuss teamwork skills with the class.

Adapted from a draft of Delaware's "Visual and Performing Arts Curriculum Framework"