Teaching Children Dance

Learning and creating dance as an art form

Teaching Children Dance is a practical framework for you to present creative dance lessons to children aged 4-11. It combines essential dance content with detailed descriptions of dance strategies appropriate for a primary-level programme.

Your step by step guide to introducing the benefits of dance

The resource features 20 ready-to-use dance learning experiences, and walks you step by step through the dance process, beginning with an introduction and ending with a dance.

Part I

Includes:

• ideas to design and present a dance learning experience composed of units and lessons
• suggestions for classroom management
• up to date assessment content
• strategies for interdisciplinary connections.

Part II

Presents 20 dance learning experiences, organized for easy reference into two age categories.

This updated and expanded book reflects dance as an art form and gives you information on:

• how to improve your teaching
• ways to increase your confidence
• the benefits of introducing dance to primary students
• the most effective ways to teach it
• what to teach and when to teach it.

Part I: A Framework for Teaching Children's Dance

Chapter 1: Understanding the Importance of Teaching Children's Dance

• What Is Children's Dance?
• Why Teach Children's Dance?
• What Are the Benefits and Learning Outcomes of Children's Dance?
• Summary Questions for Reflection

Chapter 2: Presenting Essential Content for Children's Dance

• The Elements of Dance
• The Body
• Space
• Time
• Force
• Flow
• Relationships
• Dance Forms
Summary Questions for Reflection

Chapter 3: Designing a Dance Program

• Planning a Yearlong Dance Program
• Planning a Dance Unit
• Planning the Dance Lessons
• Interdisciplinary Connections
• Summary Questions for Reflection

Chapter 4: Creating a Dance Education Setting

• Class Size
• Equipment and Teaching Materials
• Facilities
• Class Frequency and Length
• Community Characteristics
• School Policies
• Program Advocacy
• Summary Questions for Reflection

Chapter 5: Making Teaching Effective

• Using Different Teaching Styles
• Helping All Children Learn
• Motivating Learners
• Establishing Protocols and Rules
• Making the Classroom Safe
• Presenting Demonstrations
• Providing Feedback
• Engaging Students in Performances
Observing Dance
• Summary Questions for Reflection

Chapter 6: Assessing Children's Learning in Dance

• Assessment of Teaching Effectiveness
• Teacher Assessment of Students
• Peer Assessment
• Student Self-Assessment
• Summary Questions for Reflection

Part II: Learning Experiences for Children's Dance

Chapter 7: Learning Experiences for Kindergarten, First, and Second Grades

• Neighborhood
• Friendship
• Streamer Dance
• Floating Clouds and Rain Showers
• Run, Hop, Jump, Skip
• The Playground
• Ocean Waves and Swimmers
• Spaghetti Dance
• Balloons
• Percussion
• Instrument Dance
• The Hungry Cat
• Circus Dance

Chapter 8: Learning Experiences for Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grades

• Dancing Homework
• Machine
• Creative Square
• Dance
• Action Words
• Float and Punch
• Baseball Dance
• Bubbles
• Birthday Celebration
• Partner Dance
• Sport Dance
• Dance Maps

• References
• Suggested Readings
• About the Authors

Theresa Purcell Cone, PhD, is a physical education and dance teacher in New Jersey, where she also directs a children's dance company. She is also an adjunct professor at Rowan University in New Jersey and a teacher and choreographer at the Princeton Ballet School.

Dr. Cone is a past president of the National Dance Association and is also a member of the National Dance Education Organization, the Alliance for Arts Education/New Jersey, and numerous other professional organizations.

In 2004, Dr. Cone was awarded a Presidential Citation by the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. She also was awarded the Margie R. Hanson Distinguished Service Award by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education. Dr. Cone received her doctorate in dance from Temple University. Stephen L. Cone, PhD, is a professor in the department of health and exercise science at Rowan University in New Jersey. Previously, he was chair of the physical education department at Keene State College in New Hampshire.

Dr. Cone is past president of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) and received their Honor Award in 2000. He is also a member of the New Jersey AHPERD, the Alliance for Arts Education/New Jersey, and numerous other professional organizations.