This time of year, February, March, and the stretch leading up to spring break can feel like one of the longest periods in the school year. With no immediate breaks in sight and the pressures of state testing, both teachers and students crave a shake-up to their routine. Whether you’re a dance teacher in the school system or working in a private studio, St. Patrick’s Day offers the perfect opportunity to reinvigorate your class with themed activities. Below, you’ll find lesson plans and activities tailored for different age groups and settings, all incorporating the joy and energy of St. Patrick’s Day.
Lesson Plan for Elementary School Dance Class (Grades K-5)
Objective: Engage students in a festive and educational dance lesson inspired by St. Patrick’s Day, incorporating creative movement, basic technique, and cross-curricular connections.
Warm-Up (10 minutes)
- Play Irish folk music such as “The Irish Washerwoman” or “Danny Boy.”
- Lead students through a dynamic warm-up, incorporating:
- Shamrock arm stretches: Reach up and down like growing clovers.
- “Rainbow arches”: Side stretches imagining painting a rainbow.
- Leprechaun jumps: Small, quick jumps like playful leprechauns.
Creative Movement Activity (15 minutes)
- “The Leprechaun’s Journey”:
- Tell a short story about a leprechaun searching for gold at the end of a rainbow.
- Students improvise movements to represent crossing rivers, climbing hills, and dancing in celebration upon finding the gold.
- Encourage different levels of movement (high, medium, low).
Technique (15 minutes)
- Introduce basic Irish dance steps:
- Step 1: Simple heel-toe movements.
- Step 2: Skips and gallops across the floor.
- Step 3: A short jig combination: hop, hop, step, and clap.
- For older students, practice rhythm patterns with clapping and stomping to accompany the jig.
Cross-Curricular Aspect (10 minutes)
- Teach a brief history of Irish dance and its cultural significance.
- Discuss the geography of Ireland and highlight key landmarks (e.g., Cliffs of Moher).
- Incorporate literacy by reading an Irish folktale, such as “The Legend of the Leprechaun.”
Culminating Activity (10 minutes)
- Create a group “Pot of Gold” dance:
- Divide students into small groups to choreograph 4 counts of 8 inspired by their “leprechaun journey.”
- Combine the movements into one big celebratory dance to perform as a class.
Sample Playlist:
- “The Irish Washerwoman”
- “Danny Boy”
- “The Butterfly”
- “Rising Sun”
Standards Alignment:
- National Standards for Dance Education:
- DA:Cr1.1: Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
- DA:Pr4.1: Perform with expression and technical accuracy.
- Georgia Standards:
- ESGM3.RE.1: Demonstrate an understanding of dance concepts.
- ESD3.CN.2: Relate dance to historical and cultural contexts.
Lesson Plan for Creative Movement Class (Ages 3-5) in a Private Studio Setting
Objective: Introduce young dancers to creative movement through engaging St. Patrick’s Day imagery and activities.
Warm-Up (5 minutes)
- Use imagery to guide movements:
- “Growing Clovers”: Stretch up tall and shrink down small.
- “Raindrops and Rainbows”: Light tapping movements and big sweeping motions.
Imagery-Based Activities (15 minutes)
- “Catch the Leprechaun”:
- Pretend a leprechaun is hiding in the studio.
- Tiptoe, gallop, and leap to find the leprechaun.
- Rainbow Path:
- Lay colored scarves on the floor in a rainbow pattern.
- Guide dancers to move across the rainbow using skips, twirls, or marches.
Technique (10 minutes)
- Practice simple steps:
- Marching in a circle while holding hands.
- Basic gallops and skips across the floor.
Culminating Activity (5 minutes)
- End with a “Pot of Gold” dance:
- Each dancer picks a gold coin (real or imagined) and performs a move to “place it” in the pot.
Sample Playlist:
- “Let’s Go Fly a Kite”
- “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling”
- “The Rainbow Connection”
Middle School Studio Activity (Last 10 Minutes)
Activity: Leprechaun’s Treasure Challenge
- Divide students into groups and give each group a “treasure” (e.g., a gold scarf or prop).
- Challenge them to create a short routine showcasing the treasure using levels, pathways, and teamwork.
- Perform for each other in the last few minutes of class.
High School Studio Activity (Last 10 Minutes)
Activity: Irish Dance Fusion Challenge
- Play an upbeat modern song with Irish influences (e.g., “Galway Girl”).
- Challenge students to incorporate Irish dance elements into a ballet, jazz, or modern dance combo they already know.
- Highlight creativity and encourage students to share their combinations with the class.
Related Articles for Further Inspiration
- Prominent African American Dancers and Choreographers Who Transformed Dance – My Ordered Steps
- Tips for Beginner Dance Teachers – My Ordered Steps
- Dance Teacher Toolkit: How to Get Ready & Stay Organized for the Upcoming School Year – My Ordered Steps
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in your dance classes with these engaging, educational, and fun activities. By incorporating cultural themes, creative movement, and technique, you’ll provide a memorable experience for your students while keeping them engaged and inspired.
Happy Dancing!
Taylor B.
