Movement Lesson Plans

Pupils interact with a storytelling puppet show that uses puppets created by them. As students interact with stories, nursery rhymes and fairy tales, they can identify and represent their understanding of main characters through language, movement, art media and play.

Students use different qualities of movement to express themselves. In this lesson on movement, students use different qualities of energy and then use their experience as an inspiration for writing poetry.

Students examine the idea of artistic movements in the visual arts. They explore various websites, compare/contrast paintings, complete a chart, and write an essay.

What would it be like to restore modern works of art? By acting as modern art conservators, learners assess the first-hand difficulties faced in restoration efforts. In addition, they create modern art pieces from random materials. Then, they resume the role of art conservator to analyze their classmates' work and discuss preservation techniques.

Have your class create their own art exhibit. Learners study the exchange of artwork between the Louvre in Paris and two American art museums, and create an introductory exhibit featuring European and American art from the Renaissance through the 20th century. Before embarking on this lesson, check the materials list to make sure you are prepared.

Through analyzing the elements of a symphony for rhythm, patterns, color, and texture, middle schoolers apply the elements of music to visual art. Learners discuss poetry and art, and write a reflection showing the similarities of these forms.

In this U.S. history lesson plan, 1st graders study the westward expansion movement of the mid-1800's. Students use a graphic organizer to compare and contrast a modern road trip to the methods of travel in the days of the wagon trains. There are many excellent resources embedded in this well-designed lesson plan.

Students read articles by Alice Walker about the Civil Rights and write what they know, want to know, and later what they learned. In this psychology of the Civil Rights movement lesson, students write a pre-organized paragraph and reflect on the readings and discussion.

Fourth graders experience creative movement. In this movement lesson plan, 4th graders read "Earthdance" by Joanne Ryder and dance to calming music. Students discuss a variety of movements and draw a picture of their favorite one.

Learners work in small groups to investigate a variety of art and architecture forms common during the Old Kingdom epoch in Ancient Egypt. Learners then evaluate how these art forms reflect a culture's beliefs and values. And, finally, groups do research on an assigned art form and create an example.