Azia Sims Educating the Whole Child through Dance as Art Form and Meaning in Children’s Dance

1. Azia Sims Educating the Whole Child through Dance as Art Form and Meaning in Children’s Dance Oral Presentation Taxonomy of reflection Fall 2013

2. Lesson that needed most improvement • The lesson that needed the most improvement was my first lesson (lecdem). The lesson was about understanding what the definition of creative movement was. I further explored this concept by demonstrating movement with my body, the students then had the chance to do the same. The lesson was also about getting to know one another and setting boundaries. I further explored that concept by implementing start and stop signals which informed the kids when to start and end a movement. The lesson did address all the content but it was not completed on time because I wasn't sure of how the flow would go with it being my first time to teach. What the students concluded best by the end of the class was the importance of stopping and starting a dance through the use of the stop/start signal. I noticed that my teaching style consisted of a lot of uncertaintyandunpleasant transitioning, but I think I could improve this by being more prepared and actually practicing my lesson before I bring it to the class. I think the most important thing I learned was to always look prepared and be excited no matter what because the students feed off of that energy.

3. Most creative lesson • This lesson that I considered to be the most creative was about demonstrating improv through the use of your body by making geometric shapes, memorization of choreography and exploring the concept of dance etiquette. I further explored this concept by letting the students pick their favorite shapes, choreographing a two 8-count dance phrase to Lion Kings (A-cun-ah-matata) and letting the students demonstrate how important it was to have proper dance etiquette by entering and exiting the stage, showing respect by clapping at the end of a performance and being polite audience members. I considered this lesson to be my most creative lesson because I really tried to find ways to keep the kids engaged doing something that they liked, and most importantly because I could tell that they enjoyed it. This lesson showed my improvement because I kept the students engaged the entire time, the students were picking up my movement, my transitions were smooth and students were asking me to do it all over again. My lesson was not completed on time but I accomplished a lot. If I could find something to improve on it would have to be making sure that I give every student the correct attention that is needed for that student to understand whats being taught.

4. Thank you THE END