Before beginning on this plan read the article on preparation . Click links as you go to take you to articles that explain that section in more detail. Each of the parts takes approximately 5 minutes, but any part can be worked on individually as a 5 or 10 minute 'sponge activity' (an activity that uses a small amount of free time).

Part (1) Floor Exercises

Do the "Wiggle Warm Up" -

Standing, shake out one arm then the other; one leg and the other; bend forward, arms down; stretch up straight, arms up; stretch arms to sides and make large and small arm circles; lean head to left, then to right.

Now, the body is set to begin the clapping and moving skills.

Part (2) Clapping Rhythms

- Sitting in a circle cross-legged, begin with a familiar basic pattern and work into the rhythm planned for the particular lesson.

Part (3) Rhythmic Movements

- Choose from rhythmic movements (1) through (16) that are already mastered by students; developing into patterns with dynamics and expression.

Part (4) Resting

- Deep relaxation - lying on the carpet on back with eyes closed and a pattern of even and regular breathing.

Part (5) Technique or
Body-Mind Mini-Lessons to Instill Academic Concepts

- Learning a new or reviewing a rhythmic movements (1) through (16). Alternately, practice with an academic concept in math, language skills, telling time, etc.

Part (6) Creativity and Dynamics

- Experimenting with directions, levels, turns, combination of rhythms, mime, pantomime. Exploring qualities of movement by listening to the tempo and color of music.

Part (7) The Melody and Rhythm of Music

- Sitting cross-legged, listen and differentiate between the melody and rhythmic pulse of a song with words. Practice following the melody and rhythmic pulse with clapping.

Part (8) Concluding

- To finish lesson try rhythmic movements like skipping. Students enjoy leaving on a note of exuberance, warmed up and 'free to fly'.

I recommend this text for in depth instruction -

Free to Move - Learning Kinesthetically by Susan Kramer
A comprehensive guide to teaching kinesthetically in a 90 page fully illustrated ebook, outlining rhythms, motor skills, floor exercises and lesson plans, plus anatomy for the dancer explained.


Article by Susan Kramer