Elements of Creative Movement in the Classroom
Children learn in many different ways. Often classroom learning focuses on sitting at a desk, listening to lectures, and memorization of facts. Except in rare cases with exceptional teachers, this is the norm in the elementary and secondary classrooms in America. We shouldn't be too quick to place the blame on teachers either; they often receive no training in teaching methods that do not reflect this model.
To follow I will list some elements of creative movement that can be used to enhance teaching in the elementary or secondary classroom. Many children will enjoy learning and retain important information when taught in a new way. Often, moving is key to some students' understanding and its also a lot of fun!
SPACE
- Shape/Quality: fat, thin, curve, straight, open, closed, twisted, loose, flat, stiff, round, sharp...
- Levels: high, medium, low
- Direction: forward, backward, sideways, circular, diagonal, zig-zag, figure eight, u-turn, heart shape...
- Focus: up, down, sideways, direct, indirect
MOTION
- Basic Locomotor: walk, run, leap, hop, gallop, slide, crawl, jump
Creative Extensions: skip, swoop, drift, glide, dart, jog, march, tiptoe, float...
- Non-Locomotor Movements: swing, percussive, sustained, vibratory, stretch, collaps, slither, undulate, flop, shiver, wiggle...
TIME
- Rate of Speed: tempo
- Lenght of Time: duration
SCHOOL CURRICULUM EXTENSIONS
These are just a few ideas to get you thinking about your own curricular plans. If you've got a concept and aren't sure where to go with it, please e-mail me, I'd be glad to help! I have taught academic subjects through dance to both elementary students and pre-schoolers with disabilities.
The copyright of the article Elements of Creative Movement in the Classroom in Dance is owned by Karen Dito. Permission to republish Elements of Creative Movement in the Classroom in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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