Learning Examples from The Arts in the New Zealand Curriculum

Level 1: PK (Developing Practical Knowledge in Dance)
Space

1. Explore the element of space by making zigzag, straight, and curved floor-pathways to the beat of a drum.
2. Experiment with personal and general space, using non-locomotor and locomotor movements. For example:
   • moving within a stationary space bubble,
   • walking and skipping around the room.

Body Awareness
Explore the element of body awareness by stretching, bending, and twisting while standing, kneeling, and walking.

Energy
Explore the element of energy by moving in response to a variety of action words. For example:

• floating,
• exploding,
• melting,
• growing.

Level 2: PK
Time
Explore the element of time by making sudden changes in direction, in level, or use of a body part to match the accented beats in accompanying music. For example:

• using waltz music – 1 2 3, 1 2 3
• teacher playing changing accents on a drum – 1 2 3 4 5 6, 1 2 3 4 5 6, 1 2 3 4 5 6.

Level 2: PK & CI (Communicating and Interpreting Dance)
Body Awareness & Space
Explore the elements of body awareness and space by working in groups as follows:

1. Each group develops a movement sequence involving body shapes at different levels.
2. Groups view each others' sequences and identify their different body shapes and levels. For example, a round shape at a low level.

Level 3: PK
Using Objects
Explore the ways in which a simple prop (such as a stick, streamer, or fabric) can provide an extension to the body by making shapes, lines, and pathways while the body is standing still or moving.

Level 3: PK, CI & DI (Developing Ideas in Dance)
Contrasting & describing

1. Combine movements (such as leaping, rolling, and spiralling) to achieve contrasts in speed, level, and energy.
2. Create contrasting movement sequences to share with others.
3. Identify and describe images suggested by others' movement sequences. Make a list of words to describe these movements.