Dance Units for Middle School
 

by Judi Fey
 

Human Kinetics, 2011

In a nutshell: A complete curriculum for teaching dance in middle school

Though especially designed for teachers with little to no dance training, this book, DVD and CD package can walk any instructor through the process of planning and teaching a comprehensive dance course for middle school students. Conceptualized by physical educators trained in dance, the 160-page text provides eight or more scripted lessons for each of the three progressive units: “Improvisation” (introduces sixth-grade students to basic terminology and dancemaking); “Dance for Athletes” (uses plyometrics to improve seventh-graders’ coordination, flexibility and endurance); and “Jazz Dance” (has eighth-graders choreographing and performing). All steps and routines, from walking on the beat to full jazz combinations, are demonstrated on the DVD; the CD provides age-appropriate songs to accompany each lesson. Class handouts, assessments, homework assignments and other forms are also included.