This week we are sharing one of our lesson ideas to go with the book "The Circles All Around Us" written by Brad Montague and illustrated by Brad and Kristi Montague.
This is such a sweet book about a child who starts by drawing a circle around themself, and then continues to draw circles around them that include others around them. This book has a beautiful lesson on love and inclusion, and is a beautiful book to bring into your dance classroom. (And your home for that matter!)
The lesson idea we are sharing today will teach the concept of small and large space. You will start by having each student stand inside a small circle. (I like to use hula hoops, but you could also use rope, fabric, or tape to create a small space.) Have the students explore what kids of movements they can do inside this small space.
Then have students step out of their small circle and try creating movement in the large space. Ask students to pay attention to the way that they feel as they move in these different kinds of space.
Lastly, have students respond, create, and perform by improvising inside and outside of their circle. Allow them to explore how it feels to be confined to a small space, and then how it feels to have freedom of space.
Have a discussion as a class and connect the ideas from the book about being isolated in your own small circle, to the idea of being inclusive and allowing for a bigger circle.
Then have the students respond by writing, drawing, or coloring on the included worksheets depending on the age of your students.
In this month of Thanksgiving, we hope that this book will help you and your students connect to each other, and appreciate in beauty of inclusiveness.
Happy November Friends! Keep Dancing!!
Whitney
P.S. If you like these monthly lesson ideas based on Children's books, you would love one of the units in our shop! It includes this lesson with more ideas for this book, as well as ideas to go with 11 other books. Click the button below to go to our shop!
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