1. Topic-
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| Learning about Native American Songs and Dances |
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2. Content-
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| Two short Native American Songs will be taught along with the dances
that go along with them. |
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3. Goals: Aims/Outcomes-
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1. Campers will become cultured in a few ways of the Eastern Native
American.
2. They will become familiar with Native American songs and the process
of dancing and singing to them.
3. They will hopefully realize that all songs have a meaning and were
meant to voice the importance of mother nature. |
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4. Objectives-
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1. Children will never be called out to perform unless they ask
to, there is no need to make anyone feel uncomfortable.
2. The campers will have the opportunity to open up to the group and
come out of their shell in a fun and accepting environment. |
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5. Materials and Aids-
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I will need a piano and a tape player (in hopes to either have a
recording or someone to play the music over and over again besides
me)
2. The dances call for staffs that the campers will carry. These could
be wooden dowel rods or even brooms or sticks. |
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6. Procedures/Methods-
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A. Introduction-
1. The songs are "The Dance for Clear Skies" where the Native Americans
are asking for no more storms, and "The Song for Blue Skies" in which
they plead for beautiful weather to grow their crops.
2. Demonstrate what the song is and how to dance it by doing it to
the music.
3. Discuss the importance of a good crop season because that is what
they will live on over the freezing winter months. |
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B. Development-
1. The first song is "The Dance for Clear Skies" and the instructor
should give the words and sheet music to the campers so they know
what they are singing (attached). Even if they can't read music, are
tone deaf, or can't even read, they will catch on because they are
relatively short songs.
2. Once this song has been learned, the counselor will teach the dance
(which is also relatively short and easy) so that they can begin practicing
both song and dance together.
3. When that song is completed, move on to "The Song for Blue Skies"
and proceed in the same way as the first song and practice. |
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C. Practice-
1. The campers should work together to help each other remember
what to sing and how to move.
2. Once they master one song they should move to the other and keep
transferring so they don't forget.
3. When the campers have mastered both songs and dances, they can
put them together for an entire performance. |
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D. Independent Practice-
1. They should have at least 10 minutes on their own to practice
each song.
2. If they choose they can perform it for each other so they can remember
the steps and music easier.
3. Then at the end if they choose they can perform their Songs for
a small Audience of Counselors or even their parents at the end of
the week if they choose. |
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E. Accommodations (Differentiated Instruction)-
1. We will go slowly and may even only get through one song. If
that is so, that is OK, it's all about the campers, and if they need
more time to learn, so be it.
2. There could even be two groups who can perform for each other,
one who did one song, and one who did the other.
3. Or the groups could consist of campers who learned one song and
campers who learned others. |
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F. Checking for understanding-
1. Ask questions about why clear skies were so important to the
Indians.
2. Ask what was the hardest part of the Songs, was it the dancing,
or singing, and of which song?
3. Did they have fun?
4. If they could make up a song and dance for something, what would
it be and why? |
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G. Closure-
| 1. Maybe have a little performance for other Counselors or their
parents at the end of the week so they can celebrate what they have
learned. |
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7. Evaluation-
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| 1. This can be a little difficult with younger ones, but if you
stay positive and make it into more of a really fun game (with feathers
or something for costumes) then they stay more focused. |
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8. Teacher Reflection-
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| The children I tried this with had a complete blast learning new
skills and showing off these skills to their loved ones. The best
part was when they grinned widely when they bowed and ran off stage. |
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