Kinders, First & Second Grade
April – June 2012: Drama time will divide in half this spring, with students working on creating character for the first 15 minutes of class and dance elements the last 15 minutes.
The elements of characterization are:
Movement – the actor moves like the character, using gestures and facial expression
Voice – the actor uses appropriate volume, clarity, expression and speed
Sustaining character – the actor maintains the moves and voice through out the whole scene
The elements of dance are:
Space - place, size, level, direction, and pathway
Time - speed and rhythm
Force - energy, weight, flow
Body - parts, shapes and relationships
Movement - locomotor and non-locomotor
Kinders will create story dramas and choreograph mini creative dances connecting to the classroom curriculum.
First Graders will create mini plays from their own writings and choreograph mini tap dances to enhance these mini plays.
Second Graders will write and perform plays and choreograph mini tap dances connecting to the classroom curriculum.
Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Grade
April – May 2012: Students will focus on the elements of characterization and apply these elements in improvisational situations.
The elements of characterization are:
Movement – the actor moves like the character, using gestures and facial expression
Voice – the actor uses appropriate volume, clarity, expression and speed
Sustaining character – the actor maintains the moves and voice through out the whole scene
These characters and situations will infuse with their science, social studies and literature projects in the classroom.
May – June 2012: Students will focus on the elements of dance.
The elements of dance are:
Space - place, size, level, direction, and pathway
Time - speed and rhythm
Force - energy, weight, flow
Body - parts, shapes and relationships
Movement - locomotor and non-locomotor
Third Graders will study jazz dance and its history.
Fourth, Fifth & Sixth Graders will study the dance moves of the early 1950’s, 60’s, and 70’s.
All students will create their own choreography at the end of the unit which showcases their understanding of the dance elements.