The Way You Move

Educators can use this activity to get students thinking about the different ways they can move by creating dance using an obstacle course! This activity aligns with the National Arts Standards: Creating, Performing, Responding, Connecting.

Materials Needed: Found objects in your classroom, masking tape, music

1. To begin, set up desks, chairs and other similar items
   in an interesting way to create an obstacle course in
   the classroom. If possible, there should be at least 8
   to 10 feet between each object.
2. Next, tape arrows on the floor that clearly mark the
   direction of the obstacle course.
3. Walk students through the course and encourage
   them to safely explore the following with the
   objects:
   • • Going around
     • Leaping over
     • Ducking under objects
4. Play some interesting music and, one by one, a few
   steps behind the person in front of them, challenge
   students to walk through the course to the music,
   choosing how to get past each object.
5. Change the music and have your students explore
   the course again, but this time encourage everyone
   to change the way they travel. They can:
   • • • Skip
       • Go in slow motion
       • Gallop
       • Combine all of the above
6. As a final challenge, remove the objects and invite volunteers to show off their dance without the obstacles!

Reflection Questions:

• • Do you think what we did today was dancing?
    Why or why not?
  • What would be the name of these new dance moves?
  • What other kinds of dances could be inspired
    by this activity?