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This middle school arts-integrated program uses African dance, somatic movement, rhythm, storytelling, and reflection to support self-regulation, confidence, cultural awareness, and creative expressio... Read more

This middle school arts-integrated program uses African dance, somatic movement, rhythm, storytelling, and reflection to support self-regulation, confidence, cultural awareness, and creative expression for students in grades 6–8.

Students explore how movement can communicate identity, emotion, story, culture, community, resilience, and personal expression. Through guided African dance movement, rhythm patterns, call-and-response, grounding practices, breathwork, and reflective discussion, students learn how to use the body as a tool for focus, emotional awareness, confidence, and expression.

The program supports students in building body awareness, coordination, rhythm, listening skills, collaboration, and self-trust. Students also make connections to classroom learning through vocabulary, storytelling, sequencing, cultural traditions, social-emotional themes, and the relationship between movement, emotion, and communication.

By the end of the program, students will have practiced movement-based tools for regulation and confidence while deepening their understanding of dance as a cultural, creative, and expressive art form.

This program can be delivered on-site at the school in a gym, dance room, auditorium, multipurpose room, or classroom with desks and chairs moved aside to create a safe open movement space. The loc... Read more

This program can be delivered on-site at the school in a gym, dance room, auditorium, multipurpose room, or classroom with desks and chairs moved aside to create a safe open movement space.

The location should allow students enough room to move safely, participate in rhythm and group activities, and gather for reflection. A Bluetooth speaker or sound system is recommended for music and guided movement activities.

The program may also be adapted for community centers, after-school spaces, or other school-approved locations with adequate open space.

This program requires an open and safe movement space such as a classroom with desks moved aside, gym, auditorium, dance room, or multipurpose room. Students should have enough space to move safely wi... Read more

This program requires an open and safe movement space such as a classroom with desks moved aside, gym, auditorium, dance room, or multipurpose room. Students should have enough space to move safely without bumping into furniture or one another. Students may begin seated or standing in a circle for grounding, reflection, and vocabulary connection before transitioning into guided movement, rhythm, and dance activities.

By the end of the program, students will be able to: 1. Use African dance, somatic movement, and rhythm to express identity, emotion, culture, confidence, community, and story. 2. Identi... Read more

By the end of the program, students will be able to:

1. Use African dance, somatic movement, and rhythm to express identity, emotion, culture, confidence, community, and story.

2. Identify and use vocabulary connected to movement, rhythm, storytelling, self-regulation, confidence, culture, identity, expression, emotion, and resilience.

3. Practice movement-based self-regulation strategies using breath, grounding, rhythm, body awareness, posture, and guided movement.

4. Demonstrate collaboration, listening, focus, confidence, and respect for personal space during individual and group movement activities.

5. Reflect on how movement and storytelling connect to classroom learning, emotional awareness, cultural expression, personal confidence, and self-trust.

6. Create or participate in short movement phrases that communicate a feeling, idea, story, or personal strength.