Dancing in the Schools
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Physical Education Model Content Standards for California Public Schools (K-12) states:
Standard 1 "Students demonstrate the motor skills and movement patterns needed to perform a variety of physical skills".
This is accomplished in:
grade 4 item 1.21 Perform a series of basic square-dance steps.
grade 8 item 1.1 Identify and demonstrate square dance steps, positions and patterns set to music.
grade 8 item 1.2 Create and perform a square dance.
The glossary notes:
rhythmic skills. Skills that develop an understanding of and a feeling for the elements of rhythm. Examples of physical activities that allow students to express themselves rhythmically include creative movement, folk dance, square dance, and interpretive dance.
excerpt from Bonnie S. Mohnsen's "Teaching middle school physical education: a standards-based approach for grades 5-8"
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Mr Deschaine of Lincoln Nebraska Public Schools 6th grade Phys Ed includes units in the following areas: Physical Fitness, Folk & Square Dance, Archery and Soccer. ref: square dance study guide.
Links ...
Teaching Square Dancing in the Early Grades (sourced from Mr. Gym)
Phys Ed Central - square dance ideas (non traditional dance movements, but still moving to the music)
"Scattered Square Dance", K-2, non-traditional, movements to country or square dance music) (sourced from PE central)
"Swiss Ball Square Dance", 4-5 non traditional (sourced from PE Central)