Bulletin Board Ideas for Physical Education

     

Title of Bulletin Board: DANCING THROUGH LIFE

Category: Dance

Suggested Grade Level: 3-5

Materials: Background paper, border, dance shoe illustrations, dance (written assesment) sheet, construction paper, "Why we dance" information cards, music note illustrations, scissors, crayons, pencil

Description:

The bulletin board was created at an elementary school that serves 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. The first week of class we covered a dance unit. This bulletin board was used to tie in some of the concepts covered in the PE/Health class. The concept behind the whole week of teaching dance was to educate students on how important dance can be in your life. It is something that can be done by anyone at an age. The students were instructed on the ways dance can contribute to having a "healthy life". The "Why we dance" cards address the: Emotional, Social, Fun, Mental, and Physical benefits dance can bring into a person's life. I also included one of the blank assessment sheets I used at the end of the week for a visual on what the students had accomplished. The students were given the "I like to dance because" assessment for homework with the instructions that, it must include at least one of the reasons dance is good for us, as discussed in class. They also were asked to color the illustrations for fun. Students were allowed to pick a favorite pair of dance shoes or music notes to color and cut out. (This was done during their "club period" at school.)

Content from the "Why we dance" cards (these are the green, yellow, purple, red, and orange cards found in the middle of the bulletin board):
Mental: Dancing improves, body self-image, confidence, self-esteem, increased concentration *Remembering dance moves enhances cognitive learning.
Fun: Dance is just plain fun. It is fun to learn, fun to perform and even fun to just watch.
Emotional: Dancing improves; happiness, confidence, It also allows people to express themselves more easily.
Social: Dancing improves; communication skills. It creates powerful emotional/social bonds with others.
Physical: Dancing improves; cardio exercise, weight control, increased energy, flexibility, muscle tone, balance, coordination, posture, body awareness.

Additional Information:

As a dance teacher and physical educator, my passion for dance has been a driving force in my career and personal life. I have made many lasting relationships and become the person I am today because of dance and I hope that every student can see my enthusiasm and realize that even if they aren't passionate about dance like me that if they can still find something they are truly passionate about to share with others.