LESSON 25: Dancing Together
Lesson Focus: Group Movement Response
Age Group: 2-3 years old
Duration: 30 minutes

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Remember: Follow simple dance patterns

• Understand: Move in time with music

• Apply: Join group movement activities

MATERIALS:

1. Music player / speaker  

2. Selected music tracks (see descriptions below)  

3. Floor spots or tape (group formation markers)  

4. Optional: scarves or ribbons 

5. Powerpoint: 

Music Guidance for Teachers
Use music that has: 
- A steady, moderate beat
-  Clear 4‑count or 8‑count phrasing  
-  Light, cheerful instrumentation  (ukulele, soft drums, gentle pop) 
-  Predictable structure  to support coordinated movement 
Recommended styles: 
- Simple children’s dance songs 
- Light pop instrumentals 
- Soft percussion loops  

LESSON PROCEDURES:

1. Begin Warm-Up (3 minutes)

-  Lead  gentle stretches to a soft, steady-beat track.  

-  Introduce  the idea: “Today we will dance together as a group.”  

-  Invite children to  copy simple warm-up movements (reach, sway, tap).  

2. Present Simple Dance Patterns (5 minutes)  

-  Model  a short, easy pattern (e.g., *step–tap–step–tap* or *sway–clap–sway–clap*).  

-  Demonstrate  the pattern slowly with music.  

-  Invite children to  follow the pattern with you.  

 Music needed:   A  moderate-tempo track  with a clear 4-count phrase.  

3. Demonstrate Moving in Time with Music (6 minutes)

-  Show  how to match movements to the steady beat (e.g., stepping or swaying on each beat).  

-  Clarify  that “moving in time” means synchronising movement with the beat, not changing speed or responding to cues.  

-  Invite children to  move in time with the music using simple actions.  

 Music needed:   A  steady-beat instrumental  with predictable rhythm.  

4. Guide Individual Dance Practice (6 minutes)  

-  Spread  children out using floor spots.  

-  Lead  the same simple pattern again.  

-  Invite children to  try the pattern individually, focusing on steady beat and personal space.  

 Music needed:   A  looped track  with consistent tempo and clear phrasing.  

5. Facilitate Small Group Dance Practice (6 minutes)  

-  Group  children into pairs or trios.  

-  Demonstrate  how small groups can move together (side-by-side, mini-circle).  

-  Invite children to  perform the pattern in their small groups, encouraging teamwork and awareness.  

 Music needed:   A  cheerful, repetitive track  that supports coordinated group movement.  

6. Lead Whole-Group Dance (4 minutes) 

-  Arrange  children in a circle or line.  

-  Cue  the group to begin together.  

-  Invite children to  perform the pattern as one large group.  

 Music needed:   A  steady, upbeat track  with no sudden changes.  

ASSESSMENT

-  Observe  whether students follow simple dance patterns.  

-  Check  whether students move in time with the steady beat.  

-  Assess whether students join group movement activities with awareness of others.  

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

- Monitor spacing to prevent collisions during individual and group dancing.  

- Support safe movement by keeping patterns slow, steady, and low‑risk.  

- Ensure floor spots are secure and reduce slipping hazards.  

- Maintain clear pathways for small‑group and whole‑group transitions.