During the first input, we were given many tips on how to teach dance in primary schools. However, these tips can be applied not only when teaching dancing.
A teacher can play some music in the background (music videos) while children are entering the classroom. This will set the mood and it might get children more excited and curious about what is going to happen on that day. I really like this approach and will definitely use it in the classroom. I experienced this method a few times and it certainly helped set the positive atmosphere in the classroom. While letting music play, I would be standing in front of the classroom and welcoming the children. I believe that this would help build the positive learning environment and make children feel welcome and and more excited for the learning.
It is very important to have discussions with children about various kinds of music and dances to promote their communication and listening skills. The teacher can play a music video and then let children discuss it in pairs – the performers and performance, style, moves, effects, light, etc. The whole class discussion will follow. This activity is great for children as it makes them think and explore the dance and music from a different point of view. In my opinion, discussions can greatly promote children´s understanding and thanks to sharing their ideas and opinions with peers, they all broaden their perspectives. The teacher can also suggest to try some of the moves they have seen in the music video. I believe it can be very exciting and enjoyable for children.
When teaching Dance, I would start with simple activities – playing music in background while giving instructions to move forward/backward, right/left, jumping on one/both legs, .. I will definitely do the “Travelling moves“ activity with children. They would not only have fun but also enhance their communication skills, listening skills, problems-solving skills and creativity skills while trying to come up with as many travelling moves as possible in pairs. Later, when they need to choose one, they promote their decision-making skills. There are many options regarding activites based on these “ travelling moves“. I really liked when we created a circle, every pair was given a number and while listening to music, we “performed“ our travelling move, meeting each other in the centre of the circle and changing places. It was very dynamic. We then also joined another pair and created a mini performace based on the two moves of ours. This activity is also hugely linked with the The Expressive Arts – Experiences and Outcomes which place a great emphasis on exploring and choosing movements to create and and perform dance. (https://education.gov.scot/Documents/expressive-arts-eo.pdf) It also stresses the importance of expressing ideas, thoughts and feelings through creative work in dance.
Physical activity is hugely important for children to have enough energy to learn and develop and keep their body in shape as well. Dance is not only about the moves and expressions but also about getting to know different cultures. It is also one of the Experiences and Outcomes (https://education.gov.scot/Documents/expressive-arts-eo.pdf) to experience dance from a range of styles and cultures to become aware of the various dance features.
