Patti A. Embry
MUS 314 – 4/27/09
Dance Lesson Plan
Task A-2
Lesson Plan Format
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Name:
Patti A. Embry
# Students:
Subject:
Unit Title:
Arts/Humanities
Date:
March 15, 2009
# IEP:
# GSSP:
Major Content:
Dance
Lesson #/Title:
Grade Level:
5th
#LEP:
Lesson Length:
Native American Rain Dance
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Context
As a result of this lesson students will be able to identify and perform a Native American Folk
dance.
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Objectives
The student will perform a traditional Native American folk dance.
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Connections
AH-5-PA-S-Da2 Students will perform traditional folk dances, square dances and ethnic
dances (Native American, West African/African-American, Early American and folk)
AH-05-4.2.3 Students will perform traditional folk dances, square dances and ethnic dances.
(Native American, West African/African-American, Early American and folk)
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Assessment Plan
Student will be assessed informally on participation, cooperation, and effort during the dance.
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Resources, Media, & Technology
Song “Native American Rain Dance Drums” – American Indian Music
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Patti A. Embry
MUS 314 – 4/27/09
Dance Lesson Plan
Procedures
1. Give background information about rain dancing: A rain dance is a ceremonial, Native
American dance used to summon rain and to ensure the protection of the harvest. The
Cherokee from the southeastern United States, including Appalachia, performed rain
dances to call for rain and to cleanse the tribe of evil spirits.
2. Background information on Native American music: Singing and percussion are the
most important aspects of traditional Native American music. Drums and rattles are the
most common accompaniment to keep the rhythm steady for the singers, who generally
use their native tongue. Traditionally, music begins with a slow and steady beat that
grows gradually faster and more forceful. Often this beat reaches a height and the beat
then gradually grows slower and less definite – in a downward pattern.
3. I’m sure you’ve seen rain dances on TV where they run around a fire in a circle and
chant. Well today’s rain dance is more of a simple one. We will be making our own rain
with our hands.
4. Instruct everyone to get into a circle on the floor with two or three students sitting in
the middle.
5. The students in the middle will make the wind sounds while the rest of the students will
follow the teacher’s lead.
6. The rain dance begins with a gentle tapping of the fingers on the floor. Teacher will
demonstrate. The students in the middle will make soft wind sounds. Once teacher
begins, the student beside her begins the same motion and this will progress
counterclockwise in a domino effect – student after student.
7. When the teacher’s turn comes around the circle again, she will begin tapping her
fingers harder on the floor, making a louder sound. The first student will begin doing
the same with the rest following like dominos. The wind students make their wind
sounds a little louder and stronger.
8. When the turn comes around to the teacher again, she begins using the palm of her
hand to hit the floor, sounding like the height of the rainstorm. The students will again
follow in a domino effect. The wind students make their wind very loud and strong.
9. Now this is where things change. When the turn comes back to the teacher, she begins
the dance over but this time in reverse – starting with the hitting of the palm, then the
loud tapping of the fingers, and followed by the soft tapping of the fingers. Each round
the students will do these sounds in domino effect until the last student is tapping their
Patti A. Embry
MUS 314 – 4/27/09
Dance Lesson Plan
fingers lightly on the floor. Likewise, the wind students decrease their wind sounds as
the rain decreases. Then the dance is done.
10. This dance is supposed to sound like the different parts of a storm. The light tapping of
the fingers is the light, soft rain. This is followed by the harder tapping of the fingers
which grows as the height of the storm approaches. Then finally the loud slapping of
the palm on the floor represents the height of the storm. When this is reversed, the
storm is gradually decreasing in intensity until finally the storm is over.
11. After dance is learned, play the American Indian song which consists mainly of drums.
Play this softly in the background while students perform the dance.
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