DANCE TO LEARN

Dayana D. Tolentino

Dancing is an art that allows young learners to express themselves through body movements while developing many skills. One of the first skills that our kids all over the world learned from the day they started walking. When a child takes their first steps and puts together the easiest combination of motions, that might already be contemplated as dancing. In line with this, we might realize that music has a major role in the development of children through understanding dance. Since this skill usually needs an accompaniment, both appreciation of the beat and learning the rhythm are necessary. Students are learned to acquire more application of coordination, communication, and the act of natural abilities through music while through dance, these kids gain some bits of brand-new knowledge, helping them work out how to examine and perform in new manners. With all these benefits, incorporating dance and music in our class will surely assist in better provision of the teaching-and-learning process. However, there are some factors to consider in this instructional decision. Here are some of them:

1.Identify Learning Objectives. Making sure that the dance activity prepared is relevant and reasonable to be added is vital. These activities must help in achieving the success of the learning objectives. Because of the health and wellness benefits of dancing, it can be included in the psychomotor domain of the learning plan.

2.Highlight Cultural Education. Each dance style has foundations of historical and cultural contexts. This is a good way to spark conversation about cultural identity and historical heritage. Relating these dance activities in teaching some lessons allows widening the worldview of the young learners.

3.Promote creativity. Dance is an expression of artistry and creativity. Since it is an art, it allows them to express freely their emotions and aspirations. Through these activities, their imagination can go beyond what is expected from their ages.

4.Encourage collaborative works. Dance activities can be my partner, trio, or groups depending on the learning objectives needed to meet by the students. These activities will promote collaboration and engagement since they are motivated to communicate with one another, to complete dance routines, and to ensure synchronization which requires a long-time of socialization.

5.Specify the dance activities. In order to incorporate well these dance activities, appropriateness must be given focus. Ensuring the safety and propriety of these activities will directly develop important competencies among these learners while not forgetting their security and protection and moral integration.

All arts are beautiful gifts from heaven above. Thus, letting our young learners use this as they progress in life is no sin. So, as teachers, when we face them in the day, close your eyes, breathe and just dance.

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The author is Teacher III at Concepcion Elementary School, Mexico North

District