Primary School Dance for Reception and Key Stage 1

Written and compiled by Val Sabin 2002

With many thanks to the following people for their invaluable expert contributions:-
Glynnis Yates (creative dance) and Carolyn Robson (English Country Dance)
Music arranged and performed by: Lincoln Noel, Neil Shepherd, Jacob Grant, Lisa Keegan and Winston Samuals.

This most comprehensive and user-friendly teaching manual contains a complete, progressive scheme of work for dance for Reception and Key Stage 1 and comes with its own specially composed music. The 12 units of work contain 76 lesson plans that progress and develop 40 dances through 49 pieces of music on 3 CDs.

The teaching guide gives practical and definite guidance on planning, teaching styles and strategies, choosing and using stimuli for dance, and suggestions for additional forms of accompaniment. It describes the movement material or language of dance, examines the essential aspects of composing, performing and appreciating, and describes how dances are made.

Dance activities appropriate for each age group are linked to National Curriculum requirements. Minimum Expected Standards are identified and assessment sheets provided. Learning Objectives, Expected Learning Outcomes and dance frameworks clarify planning and focus learning.

The lesson plans are written in great detail so they can be used immediately as they stand or adapted to suit the expertise or teaching style of the teacher or the attitude and ability of the class.

There is a range of styles of music, 12 traditional pieces and 37 pieces specially designed for the dances. There are:- simple, complex, orchestral, funky and story telling music, some with special sound effects, and dances arise from a wide range of stimuli; tactile, the elements, stories, poems, music etc.

The dances gradually progress from individual through to pair and some small group dances generating creative and imaginative ideas. With every dance there is a full page of suggestions for linked classroom activities. In Year 2 there is a complete unit of work devoted to the teaching of 7 English Country Dances.