It is the start of the 2nd half of the year. We started out with a brand new unit...
DANCE.
Did you get to do dance when you were in P.E.? If not, you missed out! :) We are doing several VERY different dances during our dance unit.
1) Tininkling: a dance using long, white poles that students tap on the ground while other students jump over and through.
2) Line Dancing: electric slide, cotton eyed joe
3) Folk Dancing: several dances I learned at the MAHPERD conference that should be fun!
The students were a little weary at first but are more attentive during this unit than they have been all year! That is why I love exposing my students to NEW skills. There is a level playing field, the students are curious, and we can all laugh at our own mistakes!
The 3rd-6th graders aren't the only ones dancin'...
Grades K-2 just started a Creative Movement unit. In this unit, we discuss the 5 elements of dance:
1) Body
2) Energy
3) Motion
4) Space
5) Time
A few examples....
When working on "body" we learned different postures... and animal walks! Ask your 1st or 2nd grader what animals they learned. We also worked on level, pathway, and speed. We formed our bodies into a high level, zig zag path, at a fast speed all at the same time. The kids couldn't believe it.
When working on "space" we reviewed the difference between general and personal. Then, we played a "Hula Cars" game where each student had a hula hoop as their personal space. This was their imaginary car and they had to use their memory as I said different commands that were connected to different actions. No matter what, they had to remember to keep their personal space but share general space.
EXCITING UPCOMING EVENTS:
Friday, January 28: DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT brought to you by the Fuel Up Council as our first monthly event for Fuel Up to Play 60.
Friday, February 4: STUDENT RAFFLE I will be choosing 20 students who have created a username on www.fueluptoplay60.com and they will receive an AWESOME prize! Just for signing up!
Friday, February 11: JUMP ROPE FOR HEART All family members are invited to join in the fun as we jump rope to raise money for the American Heart Association.
