Objective

By the end of this lesson, Ember will be able to perform a variety of dances that showcase expressive qualities and control over different types of movements, both locomotor (like walking and jumping) and non-locomotor (like swaying and twisting). She will also learn how to express emotions through dance and movement.

Materials and Prep

• No specific materials are needed for this lesson, just a comfortable space to dance.
• Make sure there is enough room for Ember to move around freely without any obstacles.
• Consider playing some fun music that Ember enjoys to enhance the dancing experience.

Activities

• Warm-Up Dance Party: Start the lesson with a fun warm-up dance party! Play a favorite song and encourage Ember to dance freely, moving her body in any way she likes. This helps to get her energy up and prepares her for the lesson.

• Locomotor Movement Exploration: Introduce different locomotor movements like walking, running, hopping, and skipping. Ask Ember to demonstrate each movement around the space. Then, challenge her to combine these movements into a short dance sequence!

• Non-Locomotor Movement Improv: Focus on non-locomotor movements like bending, swaying, and twisting. Play a slower song and have Ember express feelings through these movements. Encourage her to think about how different movements can show different emotions.

• Expressive Dance Story: Ask Ember to create a short dance that tells a story using both locomotor and non-locomotor movements. She can pick a favorite story or make one up! Encourage her to think about how her movements can express the characters and emotions in the story.

• Reflection and Sharing: At the end of the lesson, have Ember perform her dance for you. After the performance, discuss what she felt while dancing. Encourage her to share what movements she enjoyed the most and why.

Talking Points

• "Dance is a way to express how we feel! What kind of feelings do you want to show with your dance?"
• "Locomotor movements help us travel through space! Can you show me how you can move like a bird flying or a rabbit hopping?"
• "Non-locomotor movements are about moving your body while staying in one place. Can you show me how to sway like a tree in the wind?"
• "Every dance tells a story! What story do you want to tell with your dance today?"
• "Remember, there are no wrong ways to dance! It's all about having fun and expressing yourself!"
• "How did you feel while dancing? Did any movements make you feel happy or silly?"
• "Let's think about how we can use our bodies to show different emotions. Can you dance like you're feeling really excited?"