Beginning Folk Dances

Post date: Jan 26, 2013 6:00:15 PM

In second grade, one of the things we learn about is folk dancing. Folk dances help students improve body awareness and coordination, connect movement to preparatory breath and singing, and refine beat competence. It also creates an environment of fun and promotes teamwork with classmates. Here are two folk dance songs that 2nd grade students have learned. In the one called "Old Joe Clark", the students echo duple rhythm patterns in between choruses. Later on in the year students will have rhythm "conversations" with their partner during these sections by creating their own rhythm patterns.