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Own Your Beat

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Lesson Plan

Own Your Beat Lesson Plan

Students in grades 6–9 will create and perform their own 16-count choreography; 9th graders work solo using personal music, grades 6–8 collaborate in pairs with teacher-provided tracks, fostering rhythm awareness, creativity, and confidence.

Adapting to developmental levels, this lesson builds musicality, teamwork, and self-expression through graded independence and peer collaboration.

Audience

Grades 6–9

Time

45 Minutes

Approach

Tiered choreography tasks with grade-level grouping

Materials

  • Personal Headphones (9th Grade only), - Shared Devices/Tablet with Curated Dance Playlist (Grades 6–8), - Open Dance Space (Cleared Floor Area), and - Teacher-Provided Music Options for Pairs (Grades 6–8)

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 Minutes

  • Ensure each 9th-grader’s device can access personal music or the Curated Dance Playlist.
  • Load teacher-provided tracks onto shared devices for grades 6–8.
  • Clear the classroom space for safe movement.
  • Test audio levels on both personal headphones and shared devices.
  • Review differentiation criteria and lesson flow.

Step 1

Warm-Up

5 Minutes

  • Gather students in a semi-circle and introduce the concept of finding an internal pulse.
  • Lead isolations of head, shoulders, and hips, counting out loud.
  • Encourage students to mirror the movements with control and steady breath.

Step 2

Introduction & Grouping

5 Minutes

  • Explain the three lesson phases: create, rehearse, perform.
  • Announce grouping: 9th graders work solo with personal music; grades 6–8 pair up using teacher-provided tracks.
  • Demonstrate how to access and play music on devices or via headphones.
  • Have students confirm audio access and ask any setup questions.

Step 3

Choreography Creation

15 Minutes

  • Students select a 16-bar section of music (solo or in pairs).
  • Brainstorm three 4-count motif ideas that reflect the chosen music’s mood or rhythm.
  • Choose a favorite motif and expand it into a full 16-count sequence.
  • Teacher circulates to observe, ask guiding questions, and offer feedback on musicality and creativity.

Step 4

Rehearsal

7 Minutes

  • Students practice their 16-count phrase silently with headphones or shared audio.
  • Focus on timing, dynamics, and spatial pathways.
  • Pair or peer-share: exchange one positive suggestion to refine the sequence.

Step 5

Performance

10 Minutes

  • Volunteers present their solo or pair choreography to the class.
  • After each performance, peers share one “I liked how you…” comment.
  • Highlight examples of strong rhythm alignment, creative movement, and effective teamwork.

Step 6

Cool-Down & Reflection

3 Minutes

  • Lead gentle static stretches for
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