A Dance lesson p[lan for special needs students

Arts Work   
Copyright © 2002 by Arizona State University and the Arizona Board of Regents.
  Transferring Rhythmmic Patterns From Music to Movement
Students with Special Needs Lesson Plan
Standard:
Students will: identify and demonstrate movement elements and skills in performing dance
Indicator of Achievement: Students will:

• accurately transfer a rhythmic pattern from the aural to the kinesthetic
  
• demonstrate accurate memorization and reproduction of movement sequences

Materials:

• bright colored felt squares
  
• cutout whole, half, quarter and eighth notes
  
• scissors
  
• a drum

Preparation:
Place a felt square on the floor and place a whole note on it; cut a square in half and place a half-note on the half square; do the same for quarter and eighth notes. Play the rhythms on the drum and have the students clap on every beat. Then have them move on every beat; then move and clap on every beat.
Activity:
Using a student's name, e.g. Bob-by Smith (3 syllables, short, short, long), place the two quarter notes and one half note on the appropriate colored squares. Beat the rhythm on the drum having the students clap the rhythm, then move to the rhythm several times. Have student volunteers clap the rhythm to their name with the class following their lead. Have the class choose an order for names to create a name dance. Beat the rhythm for the dance with the students moving to it.
Assessment:
Show the students the notes and have them clap the time. Discuss with the students how well they worked together.