10 Reasons I Implement Dance in my Classroom | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

10 Reasons I Implement Dance in my Classroom

How we dance our way to learning.

52
10 Reasons I Implement Dance in my Classroom
Amy Clink

One of my kids' favorite things to do is dance! When we do a brain break they choose to dance about nine times out of ten, and I love it. Dance is a big part of my classroom, and here are ten terrific reasons why!

1.It's really good for your brain

Studies have shown that dancing helps improve brain function. It can even be used to treat neurological problems like Parkinson's disease. The coordinated movements in dance help all parts of the brain work together. Check out this article from Harvard about how dancing helps the brain!

2. It makes you happy

Dancing releases endorphins and endorphins make you happy. If my bunch is feeling crabby, or if I'm feeling crabby (yes sometimes even teachers get crabby). We take a dance break and dance it out. We nearly always come out smiling! This article gives a scientific perspective on just why dance makes us so happy!

3. Cross that midline

The midline is the where the two hemispheres of your brain divide. Imagine drawing a line down the middle of your body starting at that divide. When you reach across your body it reminds the two hemispheres to work together. When kids learn to crawl they should crawl in a left knee right hand, right knee left-hand motion. However some crawl incorrectly, and crawl left left, right right, they don't cross their midline. I can always tell which of my kids crawled this way. I usually have two or three a year. These are the same kids tend to W sit. It's easy to learn to cross the midline in therapeutic settings like OT, but dance makes it fun! Once I get kids crossing their midline I can really see a difference in their learning. When I choreograph songs or look for them online I try to make sure it involves crossing the midline.

4. It builds confidence

Mastering choreography is a huge confidence boost for kids! I have my kids set personal achievement goals, and a popular one is to lead a dance! They work so hard to be able to lead the dance brain breaks. I also teach dance fitness and last year I had a first grader in my club after school who was super shy and introverted. This year she was in my class and the first goal she made was to lead a dance brain break. It takes a lot of courage to get up in front of a group of people and lead a dance, but she did it. Before long she was leading dances in dance fitness class with 30 plus people. Her parents can't get over how much she has grown and blossomed. Dance had a big part in that.

5. Active Listening

Really listening is NOT something that just happens, it has to be taught. One surprising effect of so much dance it that my kids have really learned to hear music! They know which piece of choreo goes with each part of a song, and they can anticipate that change in the music. When they asked to choreograph our end of the year dance I was skeptical, because some adults struggle to hear the different parts of a song. The first time I put on the song they immediately started matching moves to each song part and repeating them when that song part came around again. Once you know how to listen you tend to learn a lot more!

6. It gets the wiggles out

Kids are not meant to sit still for long periods of time, they need to MOVE! Dance is a fun, fast way to get some movement in and get back to work quickly.

7. It builds relationships

It's very unifying to all dance as one together. My kids are really close, and dancing is a big part of that. It makes them feel like a group when they all know the same dance! Dance can be done without talking or words. It crosses all kinds of boundaries! Check out this article about research to back this up! It can even help unify a whole school!

8. It makes for some really amazing performances

I love to do performances for parents, and parents LOVE to see their kids dance. It's cute, fun, and great for parents to record! Parents always comment the fact that their kids learned to dance in my class!

9. Dance makes great memories

Kids always tell me that they remember dancing in my class! Dance is a great memory maker. Plus it's contagious! Parents tell me all the time that my kids taught our dances to their family, cousins, or friends. Then they have those memories too!

10. It can make recess look like a Disney movie

LOL just kidding... sort of. I started taking my big speaker out to morning recess duty, and before long the whole playground was dancing. It makes us all look like a Disney movie where everyone breaks out into song and dance at the same time! It's super cute!


You don't have to be a dancer or choreographer to bring dance to your classroom! Try GoNoodle, or searchJust Dance Kids or Zumba Kids on YouTube to find fun dances that you and your kids can enjoy together! Have fun dancing!!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

15080
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

6546
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4841
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4259
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments